Andrew Wright Windows Of Scotland Placed Into Administration

Irvine-based Andrew Wright Windows, a stalwart in Scotland's double glazing industry for nearly nine decades, has ceased trading and entered provisional liquidation, resulting in the loss of 83 jobs. The announcement, made on August 6, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider construction sector, as employees and customers grapple with the sudden closure of a company long regarded as a cornerstone of Ayrshire's economy.

Founded in 1937, Andrew Wright Windows built a formidable reputation as a family-owned glazing business, specialising in high-quality double and triple glazing, doors, conservatories, and roofline products. Operating from its head office and manufacturing facilities in Irvine, the company employed over 80 skilled workers and was celebrated for its bespoke products and commitment to customer satisfaction, often achieving near-100% approval in recent reviews. The firm's legacy included high-profile contracts, such as glazing for the 1938 British Empire Exhibition in Glasgow and post-war reconstruction in Belfast.

However, the company faced insurmountable challenges in recent years. Acquired in August 2023 by directors Mark Bradford and Jamie Fraser, Andrew Wright Windows and its sister company, Andrew Wright Glass, experienced a significant downturn due to a 35% and 60% reduction in turnover, respectively, during the 2023/24 financial year. Industry-wide issues, including a slowdown in construction, rising raw material costs, increasing staff expenses, and difficulties with contract tendering, led to severe cashflow problems. Despite efforts to turn the business around, including operational changes and new contract wins earlier in 2025, the directors announced that the challenges were too great to overcome.

Mark Bradford and Jamie Fraser expressed their sorrow in a joint statement: "This is a profoundly sad moment for all at Andrew Wright. Over two years, we have done everything we could to turn the business around, but the challenges have proved insurmountable. We are truly sorry for the impact the closure will have on our employees, customers, and the wider community."

The timing of the liquidation is particularly poignant, as Andrew Wright Windows had recently secured a near-£1 million contract with North Ayrshire Council to supply and manufacture windows, alongside other commercial contracts valued at £1.8 million with Cruden Building. However, the company withdrew from the tender process on the same day the liquidation was announced, leaving questions about the impact on ongoing projects.

Mark Harper, joint provisional liquidator from Opus Restructuring & Insolvency, highlighted the broader context of the collapse: "The collapse of Andrew Wright Windows Limited and Andrew Wright Glass Limited is another indicator of the challenges and economic headwinds currently facing the Scottish construction sector. Our priority is to assist those members of staff who have been made redundant, providing them with the information and support they need."

In response to the closure, North Ayrshire Council, in collaboration with Skills Development Scotland, CEIS Ayrshire, and the Department for Work and Pensions, has organised a PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) drop-in session on August 13 at Landek House in Irvine. The initiative aims to provide career advice, employability support, and information on training and benefits to the 65 employees from Andrew Wright Windows and 18 from Andrew Wright Glass affected by the redundancies. Local employers have also stepped forward, with the council compiling a vacancy bulletin to help displaced workers find new opportunities.

The closure of Andrew Wright Windows marks a significant loss for Scotland's double glazing industry, where the company was a pioneer in quality and innovation, notably introducing the Stuga ZX5-S cutting machine to Scotland and earning Secured by Design accreditation for its secure and energy-efficient products. As the industry continues to navigate economic challenges, the focus now shifts to supporting the affected employees and customers left in the wake of this historic firm's demise.