ADMINISTRATORS for manufacturer Pressworks Metals said they were still hoping to find a buyer, despite one of its main customers withdrawing its business from the County Durham company.

Automotive parts maker Brose Limited withdrew its support for the company last week.

The Coventry company, which represents between 15 and 20 per cent of Pressworks' order book, removed materials and pressings equipment from the company's Newton Aycliffe plant last Friday.

Staff arriving for Friday nightshift looked on as a number of articulated lorries arrived at the factory and were loaded with equipment from the site.

Representatives from Brose visited Pressworks earlier that day to inform the manufacturer it was withdrawing its support.

Administrators conceded that it was a major setback, but said negotiations to find a buyer were still under way.

Joe McLean, from administrators Grant Thornton, said: "There is no doubt this has left a big hole in the order book, but there is still a business worth going for and we are still very hopeful.

"Things move on very quickly in this business and that was then and this is now. Potential buyers are still indicating they are interested in Pressworks, so all is by no means lost."

Pressworks went into administration earlier this month, leaving the fate of about 240 workers uncertain.

Last week, The Northern Echo reported that the company was in negotiations with four potential buyers.

Mr McLean, from the Newcastle-based administrators, said negotiations were still ongoing, but declined to go into further detail.

"It is a sensitive situation at this stage," he said.

Brose Ltd, which supplies parts to car makers including Toyota, is a UK subsidiary of German manufacturer Brose.

A worker at the Newton Aycliffe site, who saw the removal of the equipment, said staff were extremely concerned about the implications of the move.

The worker, who did not wish to be named, said: "Last week, we were told things were looking positive and there was going to be a buyer, but by the end of the Friday nightshift our work was going out of the door.

"I have a family to support and this is very worrying."

Brose Ltd was contacted by The Northern Echo but declined to comment.