ADMINISTRATORS have told workers at threatened paper mills that they are actively marketing the businesses.

More than 48 jobs are at threat at Arjobex Limited, which operates a paper production business at a site in Stephenson Road, Clacton, on the Gorse Lane Industrial Estate.

French parent company Sequana last week announced the firm is one of several Arjowiggins’ companies that would be placed into administration.

There are no immediate redundancy plans, although hundreds of jobs across the UK are thought to be under threat.

A meeting has already been held with administrators over the future of the Arjowiggins Fine Papers in Aberdeen.

Joint administrator Iain Fraser, partner with FRP Advisor, said: “We are actively marketing the business and have had some enquiries, however it is early days.

“We are liaising regularly with staff, customers and suppliers to ensure the plant is operating as efficiently as possible.

“Our core objective is to find a buyer as soon as possible and we are urging interested parties to contact our Aberdeen office.”

Clacton MP Giles Watling said he hoped a buyer could be found quickly for the Clacton site.

“I understand only last year Arjobex in Clacton was considering expanding, so I hope it is still a viable as a business,” he said.

“It is really sad to hear this has happened - we don’t want to lose these 48 jobs.

“I have written to the company to offer any help I can and I alerted the council’s regeneration team to the issue.

“I have asked if there is any possibility of using the council’s SME Growth Fund to help.

“I hope that the business can find a buyer soon.”

Other Arjowiggins companies placed into administration include Chartham, Kent, which has 90 members of staff, Performance Papers in Manchester, which has 11 employees, and the Wiggins Teape Group.

Earlier this month, Sequana said under the aegis of administrators, receivership proceedings will help support measures undertaken to find buyers for Arjowiggins’ businesses.