Earthmoving and waste recycling equipment firm enters administration

Warwick Ward (Machinery) Limited, an earthmoving and waste recycling equipment supplier headquartered in Barnsley, has fallen into administration after 55 years of trading, with the majority of its staff made redundant.

Founded in 1970, the company grew to become one of the UK’s largest stockists and suppliers of both new and used earthmoving and recycling equipment, representing manufacturers including Terex, Sunward, Faresin, Ausa and Case. In addition to its Barnsley headquarters, the firm operates from depots in Bromsgrove and Harlow.

In June 2023, the company was acquired from owner-directors Ashley and Matt Ward by an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). In accounts for the year to September 30 2024, the first following the transition to employee ownership, the company reported turnover of £45.3 million, down from £51.2 million, while operating profits fell from around £2.1 million to approximately £466,000.

The company was reported to have recently experienced significant financial difficulties, which were subsequently exacerbated by weak spending across the construction and waste recycling industries. Despite exploring options for refinancing, investment or a potential sale, a solvent solution could not be found, prompting directors to take steps to appoint administrators.

James Lumb and James Clark of Interpath Advisory were appointed as joint administrators of Warwick Ward (Machinery) Limited on December 3 2025, with most of the company’s 89 staff made redundant upon their appointment.

Interpath Advisory Managing Director and joint administrator James Lumb commented: “With strong economic headwinds continuing to impact the construction and, groundworks market, specialist plant hire operators up and down the country are coming under increased financial pressure.”

“It’s a tremendous shame that these challenges have proven to be so devastating for Warwick Ward, which had a long and proud heritage across South Yorkshire and beyond. Our immediate priority will be to support all those workers impacted by redundancy, while we also explore options for the company’s assets.”

In its latest accounts, Warwick Ward’s fixed assets were valued at around £8.6 million and current assets at £27.2 million, while net assets amounted to £6.4 million.

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