Overview
- PKF Melbourne administrators Paul A. Allen and Glenn J. Franklin were appointed on October 21 to run a review of the business and report to creditors at an online meeting set for October 30.
- The company and administrators say they intend to review current builds and delivery schedules with the aim of fulfilling existing orders, though that intention is subject to the administration process.
- Essential employed about 200 people before the administration and closed its Somerton factory in a recent restructure that cut roughly 92 roles, placing many jobs at risk as operations consolidate in Pakenham.
- The appointment follows a string of caravan-sector failures this year, including Maverick Campers whose stock was seized under the Personal Property Securities Act and Zone RV which was wound up owing millions.
- Customers who paid deposits are unsecured creditors and may recover little if liquidation follows, but some card payers may have chargeback rights and the creditors' meeting will determine next steps for claims and asset recovery.