Double glazing firm St Helens Glass is believed to have collapsed with the loss of more than 200 jobs. It is estimated that figure could rise to more than 300 if salespeople, fitters and drivers contracted by the firm are also taken into account.
Shocked staff were given the news shortly after they turned up for work as normal this morning.
One worker told the Daily Post: "I just came in as usual this morning and we were told the news - it was awful, completely unexpected."
In January the firm was the subject of an investigation by the BBC’s Watchdog TV programme wich had heard from many customers who complained about workmanship, customer service, cash-back offers and a high-interest finance agreements.