Ceiling maker Zentia collapses into administration

Zentia Limited and Zentia Profiles Limited, a Gateshead-based ceiling systems manufacturer with roots stretching back more than a century, have entered administration after weaker sales and high energy costs left the business unable to continue trading.

Will Wright and James Lumb of Interpath were appointed joint administrators on 8 June 2026. Production has ceased at the companies’ two sites and all 170 employees have been made redundant.

The companies manufactured ceiling tiles, suspension grids and floating ceiling systems for the construction sector. Together, they generated turnover of more than £50 million.

Zentia had been under pressure from difficult trading conditions across the construction supply chain, including lower-than-expected sales and elevated energy costs. The business received a £6.5 million shareholder cash injection last year as management sought to stabilise operations and explore sale options.

Those efforts failed to produce a solvent rescue, leading the directors to place the companies into administration. Interpath said its immediate priority is supporting affected employees while seeking buyers for the companies’ business and assets, including remaining stock.