An engineering firm that has been based in Carlisle for more than 150 years has gone into administration, putting 32 jobs at risk.

Staff at Mitchell Dryers Limited in Denton Holme have been told that administrators from Armstrong Watson have been appointed by the firm’s directors.

The privately owned firm, which makes and supplies industrial dryers for the food, chemical, mineral and pharmaceutical industries, has a history dating back to 1859.

Mike Kienlen, restructuring, recovery and insolvency partner with Armstrong Watson, said: “The business has a historic pension deficit that the company has been struggling with for a little while.

“That has been compounded by a lack of orders.

“A drop in demand brought the firm’s directors to the decision that administrators needed to be called in.”

The joint administrators are Mr Kienlen, Daryl Warwick and Mark Ranson.

Mr Kienlen added: “The jobs of the 32 staff are at risk but we are actively looking for potential purchasers.

“We hope that a buyer will be found and we welcome any interest from potential purchasers.”

The company’s website says it has a “worldwide reputation” emanating from customers throughout Europe, North and South America, the Middle East and the Far East.

Anyone interested in buying the business should contact Darcie Rae on 01228 690179.