Steelbro New Zealand will close its manufacturing facility in Christchurch by March 2014.

Iconic manufacturer Steelbro New Zealand, which celebrated 135 years in business this year, will close its manufacturing facility in Christchurch by March 2014.

The company, which supplies container handling equipment for the container transport industry, has been placed in receivership.

Michael Cave, spokesperson for Ferrier Hodgson, tells Forkliftaction.com News that his company was appointed as receivers and managers for Steelbro on 2 December this year.

The company's manufacturing operations will close by March 2014, with some 30 jobs set to go.

Cave says Steelbro Australia will not be affected and the head office will continue operating from Christchurch.