INDUSTRY in Huddersfield has been dealt another Christmas blow.
One of the town's leading window firms has gone bust - leaving more than 50 workers without a job.
And the news from Quickframe Sales, of Longroyd Bridge, came just 24 hours after it was confirmed that 28 workers at Globe Worsted's Slaithwaite mill had lost their jobs.
Some of the workers at Quickframe Sales, which supplies windows to businesses and houses, say they have not been paid by parent company Northern Glass Ltd for more than two weeks.
Today only a skeleton staff were working at the factory and showroom in St Thomas's Road.
The Examiner was given a short statement: "It is with regret that Northern Glass Ltd has now ceased trading. Due to serious financial difficulties the business cannot continue."
It is not yet known exactly what will happen to the factory, a former bus depot for Huddersfield Corporation.
The company bought Scholes Windows in January, 2002, and distributed more than 100 window styles nationwide.
It is believed customers, including some in Huddersfield, are still waiting for delivery of their windows.
One employee who has been left with no money for Christmas said it had been apparent for several months the company was struggling.
The man, who asked not to be named, is owed wages and a Christmas bonus.
He said: "I am told some customers have been waiting for more than three months and lots of people have been coming in to get deposits back.
"The company deals with both domestic and business customers and lots of them will be still waiting.
"Getting laid off is never going to be a nice thing, but the week before Christmas makes it even worse of course because of all the expense."
In June, 2003, managing director Alan Rees told the Examiner how the company was going from strength to strength after striking a deal with Cleckheaton-based Cattles Finance.
"We already have a thriving business with a healthy customer base," said Mr Rees at the time.
