WCM Europe Ltd has entered administration. The company is a UK automotive manufacturer supplying parts to major global brands, and it specializes in engineering and producing plastic components and automotive systems. WCM Europe Ltd is based in Basildon, Essex, and is registered in Nottingham while operating from Basildon.
It was established in 1948 and was originally called WCM Patterns Ltd. In 2017, WCM Europe Ltd expanded its Basildon production space by 50% for clean assembly, painting and stores. On its website, WCM Europe Ltd describes itself as a 'world-class manufacturing' business that combines engineering and manufacturing to produce automotive solutions for leading global brands.
The company entered administration after financial difficulties, though the specific financial difficulties that led to its administration are not known. Interpath Advisory was appointed as joint administrator on March 4, 2026, according to a notice published in The London Gazette. Joint administrators were appointed on March 4 by the High Court of Justice’s Business and Property Courts in Birmingham.
WCM Europe Ltd has appointed administrators from Interpath Advisory to handle the administration process. The administration process places control of the company in the hands of insolvency practitioners, who will explore options including restructuring, a sale of the company or its assets, or closure if a rescue proves impossible. It is unclear how many employees at WCM Europe Ltd may be affected by the administration or whether operations at its Basildon site will continue during the administration process.
In a separate development, Johnsons 1871, a removals company, has entered administration. Johnsons 1871 is based in Northwich and offers home removals, storage facilities, office relocations and cleaning services. It was founded in 1871 by Joseph Johnson, who used a fleet of horses and carts to deliver coal in the winter and help people move homes in Cheshire during the summer.
Before entering the removals trade, Joseph Johnson first dealt in glass, china and earthenware in Northwich. Johnsons 1871's clients include npower, the NHS, the Co-operative, B&Q, Barclays and BBC Cymru Wales. Johnsons 1871 was sold to Amer Logistics Limited on the same day the administrators were appointed, according to insolvency firm Leonard Curtis.
The sale of Johnsons 1871 protected 150 jobs. ' Additionally, four travel companies have entered administration in 2026: Regen Central Ltd, Gold Crest Holidays, Asiara UK Ltd, and Simply Florida Travel Ltd. All four travel companies have ceased trading, according to Companies House, and have lost their Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL).
ATOL guarantees customers receive refunds if a company collapses. Other travel companies in the UK closed in 2025, including Ickenham Travel Group Ltd (November), Great Little Escapes LLP (June) and Jetline Travel Ltd (March). The total number of companies that have entered administration in 2026 beyond WCM Europe Ltd and the four travel companies mentioned is not specified.