DOZENS of workers face an uncertain future after the troubled owners of a paper factory announced they had been placed into administration.

Arjobex Limited, which operates a paper production business at a site in Stephenson Road, Clacton, on the Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, is one of several companies impacted by the move.

The Clacton factory, which specialises in the production and sale of synthetic paper, currently employs 48 people.

Arjobex is a subsidiary of Sequana, a French manufacturer and distributor of paper.

A Sequana spokesman said: "Following the receivership proceedings opened in France at the request of Arjowiggins and some of its subsidiaries, the boards of directors of some of Arjowiggins' companies in the UK have decided to file notices of appointment of an administrator."

The companies hit by the move include AW UK Holdings Ltd, Arjo Wiggins Fine Papers Ltd, ArjoWiggins Chartham Ltd, Arjowiggins Sourcing Ltd, Arjobex Ltd and Performance Papers Ltd.

"These companies operate the mills of Stoneywood, Chartham and Clacton," the spokesman added.

"Under the aegis of administrators, these procedures will help support the measures undertaken to find buyers for Arjowiggins' businesses."

Glyn Mummery and Geoff Rowley, partners at specialist advisory firm FRP Advisory LLP, have been appointed as joint administrators.

While no immediate redundancy plans have been announced, hundreds of jobs across the UK are thought to be under threat.

Mr Mummery said: "Arjobex has been trading well in what is challenging market.

"However, the company is one of a number of Arjowiggins group companies that are participating members of the Wiggins Teape Pension Scheme and has significant liabilities as a result.

"In light of the insolvency and administration proceedings currently facing other members of the scheme, the directors have therefore been forced to enter the company into administration.

“We are continuing to trade so that all options for the business, including a sale of the business, can be considered.”