POOLE-based company J Motor Components (JMC) has suddenly closed its doors, leaving employees without a job just before Christmas.

The company, which also has branches in Weymouth, New Milton, the Isle of Wight and Bridport, ceased trading last Friday, November 16.

It is thought between 10 and 20 people working for the headquarters in Poole have lost their jobs, with some having worked for the company for up to 30 years.

A note left on the door of the building in The Fulcrum, Vantage Way reads: “Regrettably, Friction Linings Ltd trading as JMC has ceased trading today.”

The company was first opened in 1950 by John Cavill Senior, and remained family-run, with John Cavill junior working as managing director until it closed.

Bournemouth insolvency company Mark Liddle Llp is handling the winding down of JMC.

Mr Liddle said: “The position is that we were instructed by directors of Friction Linings Ltd to close the company down.

“It will make 42 staff redundant across all five branches.

“The reason we were instructed to close the company is because in general the business just stopped.

“The company will go into liquidation within the next three to four weeks.”

JMC sold a huge range of motor parts to garages, with everything from gaskets to car radios and batteries supplied.

The closure of the company is a blow to the town, as it comes just days after news that sweet company Tangerine Confectionary Ltd will shut in March with the loss of 75 jobs.

Leader of Poole council Elaine Atkinson said: “I am always sorry to hear about any job losses, or indeed any business getting into trouble in this difficult economic climate.

“I am sure we’ll be working very closely with Job Centre Plus to help anyone left without work.

“We have an excellent track record of helping people who find themselves suddenly without a job to get back into work.

“We would encourage anyone who has been affected by this to get in contact with Job Centre Plus and we will do anything we can to help them.”