Stafford-based Tuberex Exhaust Systems has gone into administration.

The company manufactures and assembles car exhaust systems for the aftermarket and is number three in the UK with a 12% market share.

It has suffered from difficult trading conditions in the last 18 months, largely, as a result of increasing steel prices.

The company has a turnover of around £10 million and employs 130 people.

Matthew Hammond, joint administrator with PricewaterhouseCoopers, says: "We are currently reviewing the company's financial position to establish whether a restructuring of the Company is possible. In the meantime Tuberex continues to trade as normal."

PwC was appointed as administrator yesterday.