Jobs lost as 163-year-old Dundee construction firm collapses

Dozens of jobs have been lost after a 163-year-old construction firm in Dundee collapsed.

Alexander Oastler Ltd, which was founded in 1863, has been placed into liquidation with the loss of all 23 jobs.

The joinery company, which operated from its base in Douglas Street, specialised in refurbishment, and bespoke manufacture of furniture, windows and doors.

Liquidators Interpath said the director of the firm took various steps to improve challenging trading conditions “exacerbated by rising input costs and lower levels of housebuilding activity”.

However, they were “ultimately unable to turn around the company’s financial position.”

The firm previously worked on the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and publisher DC Thomson’s Dundee Meadowside headquarters refurbishment.

Alistair McAlinden, joint provisional liquidator and head of Interpath in Scotland, said: “Originally established in 1863, the Oastler business has a long and storied heritage of providing specialist joinery and bespoke carpentry to homes and commercial projects primarily across eastern Scotland.

“Sadly, however, the headwinds facing companies across the construction and adjacent sectors have placed significant pressures on the business. Continual losses incurred over the last three years have ultimately meant that the Company had no option but to cease trading.

“We will now commence the process of winding down the Companies’ affairs, while also providing support to Oastler’s dedicated team in the wake of their redundancy.”

“Should anyone have an interest in the business or assets, please contact the joint provisional liquidators’ team as a matter of urgency.”