Examiner appointed to Waterford clothing company

The High Court has approved the appointment of an examiner to a Waterford company that provides sportswear and specialist industrial wear.

Apparel Supply Solutions Ltd employs over 30 people and its clients include the Dublin Fire Service and ESB Networks.

The court heard Apparel Supply Solutions started as a domestic sewing business in 1985 and has grown organically since then.

The company now employs 33 people and its directors say it is the only business in Ireland and one of a handful in Europe with the technical know how to manufacture certain industrial and fireproof clothing.

However the company is insolvent because of tax liability of €435,000.

The court heard a contract with the GAA for sports wear has not brought about the desired returns and this part of the business will be slimmed down.

Two staff members have been made redundant and new conditions have been arranged with 12 other employees since Jason Sheehy was appointed interim examiner last month.

His appointment has now been approved by High Court President Nicholas Kearns.