Cheshire-based frozen pies and snacks manufacturer Freshpack has entered administration.

The business supplies pies, ready meals and snack products to frozen food retailers and discount stores under its Freshpack brand and as own-label products.

The business has suffered a “period of difficult trading”, according to administrators Dunham Dean Advisory.

In the latest full accounts filed at Companies House, for the year to 30 June 2017, Freshpack directors said they had been focused on replacing volumes following the loss of a major contract. Turnover had fallen from £10.4m in 2016 to £8.4m, with the business making a £487,000 operating loss.

Administrators are hoping to sell the business as a going concern.

Established in 1952, the company employs 68 staff from its factory in Alsager, near Stoke-on-Trent. The plant is described as using the latest technology, including automated puff pastry production, and the business has a technical team that helps customers develop own-label products.

“Freshpack operates a fully equipped modern factory with a longstanding, skilled workforce and benefits from an established customer network,” said administrator Matt Dunham.

“This provides a great opportunity for another manufacturer to extend their production facilities, develop new product lines and expand into new areas of the market.”