A NEWPORT company which has operated in the city since 1964 has closed, at the potential loss of 28 jobs.

HWD Shopfitters Limited and its aluminium trading division, Alcoplan, both of which are based on Marlborough Road, were placed into administration today.

Of their 28 employees, the Argus understands 17 have been made redundant immediately. The other 11 have been retained for the time being.

The shopfitters was set up in 1964 and Alcoplan was established five years later.

Tim Ball of accountants Mazars, who are looking to sell on the businesses and their assets, said: “It is very sad to see these well-known local businesses cease to trade after over 50 years. In the face of tough market conditions, the director has taken the difficult decision to place the company into administration.”