Geelong firm’s $1.5m collapse

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A LONG-serving Geelong building supplies company has gone into liquidation with debts of $1.5 million.
Shareholders Leigh and Nigel Robinson voted to wind up JS Robinson during an extraordinary general meeting last week.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents revealed the business had debts of $1,536,385.
Rod Slattery, of PPB Advisory, has been appointed as liquidator.
The liquidation follows a letter to suppliers last month from chief executive officer Leigh Robinson and director Theresa Robinson.
The letter said the company was “in the process of another change” after the resignation of Nigel Robinson as a director in October.
The letter said Nigel Robinson ceased employment on December 1 but remained a stakeholder.
“Negotiations are occurring with respect to the acquisition of Nigel’s stakeholding in the business,” the letter said.
“The future for Robinsons is extremely promising with in-house changes and new staff to enhance the growth we have been waiting for.”
But Mr Slattery said the business had been “wound down” with a number of staff terminations prior to Christmas.
“I understand the business had cut back and was down to two staff besides the family.”
Mr Slattery said a meeting of creditors would outline the course of events leading to the appointment of liquidators and the likely financial outcome.
The 66-year-old business began in Pakington St, Geelong West, before relocating to its existing premises in Victoria St, North Geelong.
The business added a new venture, Wardrobe Works, aimed at an on-line self-service market for builders and renovators.
JS Robinson supplied laminates, panel board, doors and kitchen cabinet hardware to the building and retail trade.
The liquidation follows the collapse of Geelong builder Blue Cove Homes earlier this month, leaving more than 100 businesses owed more than $1.1 million.