The Chesterfield-based company, the UK's second biggest windscreen repair firm, has confirmed that M J Cowlishaw, D L Z Wong, and C J Farrington of Deloitte LLP have been appointed joint administrators and now manage its affairs, business and property.

Deloitte said that there were no funds to 'be able to continue to trade the business'. Reported difficulties include the loss of a large customer and a wind-up petition that had been received from a major creditor. The firm had also suffered delays in the implementation of a new IT system as part of a restructuring combined with a drop in revenues in 2010.

The administrators are said to be in 'urgent' discussions to try to secure a future for the firm and its 1,100 staff.

In the meantime, Auto Windscreens is advising customers to contact their insurance company or fleet provider to arrange alternative options. 

The company's operations comprise 68 fitting centres, 550 mobile units, a call centre and a distribution centre in Aston, Birmingham.