Demolition specialist Cuddy Group has confirmed it is in administration following director Mike Cuddy’s ill health
Managing director Mike Cuddy said the Neath-based firm fell into trouble after he spent six months in hospital.
In a statement to the BBC, Cuddy Group confirmed that 54-year-old Mike Cuddy had been suffering since October 2016 from neurosarcoidosis, which can lead to inflammation of tissues. He spent six months in hospital and an additional 18 months at home recovering.
The firm said: “During his enforced absence from work at Cuddy Group, he had hoped that others would have stepped up to fill the gap he had left. Unfortunately, this did not happen and the challenges facing the company increased month on month throughout 2017 and into 2018.”
Some 130 employees have been offered jobs with housebuilder Persimmon.
On 20 July, staff in Llandarcy said they were told to report on 23 July to find out more while a number of demolition jobs it is involved in were put on hold.
The statement detailed how in October 2016, Cuddy was struck down with neurosarcoidosis.
Against medical advice, he returned to work six months earlier than planned in April hoping to improve matters.
Despite injecting personal funds, he “was left no alternative but to put the company into administration”.
“Mike is devastated and as you can imagine, the news and the associated stress, are taking a heavy toll on his health,” it added.
“He intends to continue however, to do everything he can to ensure that the company workforce is successful in finding alternative employment.”
The statement said he had been working to find staff other jobs.
The Cuddy Group had been long-time sponsors of sports teams in Wales including the Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons rugby regions as well as Neath rugby club.
