The Aldel aluminium smelter in Delfzijl has been declared bankrupt, just three days after being granted court protection from its creditors while it attempted to find new external financing.

The factory stopped producing aluminium some time ago, blaming high energy prices and the lack of government support, leaving 120 people without work.

In September it stopped processing imported aluminium, leaving a further 200 people without jobs. Since then the factory has remained in a ‘care and maintenance’ phase.

This is the third time the smelter has gone bust.

The company was the subject of a management buyout at the end of last year, when its owner York Capital sold it to chief executive Chris MacNamee.