Business and assets available as Gateshead manufacturer enters administration

An opportunity has arisen to acquire the business and assets of a Gateshead-based manufacturer of acoustic ceiling solutions after it fell into administration. Zentia Limited and Zentia Profiles Limited fell into administration on June 8 2026 after a search for a buyer failed.

Zentia manufactures complete acoustic ceiling solutions, including mineral ceiling tiles, floating ceiling systems and suspension grids. The business, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025, had suffered from challenging trading conditions recently, including high energy prices on production costs and lower-than-forecast sales.

In response, directors took a number of actions to address the business’ financial position, including a £6.5 million cash injection from a shareholder last year. Directors also explored sale options for the business, but no solvent outcomes were found.

Following the appointment of administrators at the beginning of this week, production has ceased at the companies’ two sites in Gateshead. The majority of the workforce has been made redundant, with a small number of staff retained to assist the joint administrators in their duties.

One of the joint administrators said: “Zentia has a rich history in the North East, stretching back more than 100 years, and so it’s a tremendous shame that the difficulties facing many businesses in the construction supply chain have resulted in it falling into administration.”

They added that they would “now be seeking a sale of the companies’ business and assets, including its residual stock, and would encourage any interested parties to make contact with us as soon as possible.”

In accounts for the year to December 31 2024, Zentia Limited reported turnover of approximately £48.1 million, down from £54.7 million a year earlier, while falling from an operating profit of around £3.3 million to a loss of £1.7 million.

At the time, its fixed assets were valued at £61.9 million and current assets at £18.2 million, with net assets totalling £43.6 million.

For the same period, Zentia Profiles Limited reported turnover of £6.4 million, down from £7.2 million a year earlier, while operating profits fell from around £331,000 to approximately £130,000.

At the time, its fixed assets were valued at £3.9 million and current assets at £4.5 million, with net assets amounting to £5.5 million.

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