Robor had made a loss of 300,000 per year for the last two years, according to the company's administrator. 

Benson Box managing director Mark Kerridge said that former Robor clients would see their orders fulfilled. "We're very keen to make sure the message for the customers and employees is one of stability and continuity in difficult times," he said. But he said it was "too early" to say whether production would move from the Lancing plant to Benson's Leicestershire site. 

Administrator Nick Hood, of Begbies Traynor in London, said: "That's a decision for Benson. But in reality, there is a limit to how long I can go on providing the facilities at Lancing." 

He stressed that by transferring employment to Benson, former Robor staff's "contractual entitlements" were protected. 

Hood added that Robor's demise was due to "ferocious competition", a lack of funds to re-equip and the difficulty of winning new work.

See also Sacked Robor staff to appeal, Robor admits cost-cutting plan.

Story by Josh Brooks