Eddie Williams and Rob Hunt of PwC have been appointed joint administrators of W R Refrigeration Ltd (WR) after the company failed to pay its tax bill, putting 600 jobs at risk.

Leicester-based WR specialises in the supply, installation, repair and servicing of refrigeration and air conditioning units to the retail, distribution and wholesale sectors in the UK. Turnover in the year to 31 December 2012 was £58m with the business operating from five regional depots with approximately 600 employees and a number of contractors.

However, the administrators say WR has experienced difficult trading conditions in recent months, which meant it required additional funding from existing lenders and the owners to help facilitate a turnaround of the business.

Continuing losses with associated cash pressures led to a winding up petition being issued by HMRC earlier this month which meant that the business required additional funding beyond that originally projected, and which it was unable to secure.

Eddie Williams, joint administrator and PwC director said: 'Over the last few weeks the directors, funders and other key stakeholders have been in extensive dialogue with regards to securing additional financial support for the business, particularly in light of the winding up petition. Unfortunately, these discussions have not been successful and have led to our appointment as administrators.'

Williams said the immediate priority was to review WR's financial position and its underlying profitability, but warned that the level of losses and funding requirements made 'imminent closure' a real risk for the business.