Almost 50 people have been made redundant as a result of artificial pitch manufacturer Thornton Sports Group being placed into administration.

The group which comprises six companies – Thornton Sports Ltd, Thornton Contracts Ltd, GTC Sports Ltd, Nordon Ltd, Protech AllWeather and Soccer Turf – ceased trading on 4 May 2016 with administrators citing “quality problems” as a contributing factor. Of its 52 staff, 47 have been made redundant.

Joanne Hammond and John Russell of Begbies Traynor in Sheffield have been appointed as joint administrators of the company. They are currently in the process of marketing Thornton’s manufacturing plant in Blackburn, Lancashire, in a bid to recover funds for creditors.

“Unfortunately, the group suffered from quality problems with some of its products which proved too costly to rectify,” said Hammond. “This, together with low margins and increased competition, has made the business unviable.”

Established more than 35 years ago, the firm was responsible for high-profile projects with Superleague club the Warrington Wolves and also fitted the 12th floor pitch in Manchester’s Hotel Football.

The directors at Thornton Sports declined to comment when approached by Sports Management.