96 staff 'to lose jobs' as printing firm hits trouble
A NOTTINGHAM print firm is closing with the loss of nearly 100 jobs, according to staff.
Polestar Chromoworks, which has a branch in Wigman Road, Bilborough, is due to shut its doors on March 15.
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Closure fears: The Polestar Chromoworks plant in Wigman Road, Bilborough.
Managers are currently carrying out a 30-day consultation with 96 people expected to be made redundant as a result of the closure.
A senior member of staff, who spoke to the Post on the condition of anonymity, said about five of these would be relocated to Polestar's other sites across the UK.
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"It's strange because we've probably been the busiest we've been in years these past few months but the plan is to ship work out to the other branches," said the worker, who has been with the company for eight years.
"It's not good. We're closing because there's no money.
"The majority of the people going have worked here for 30 or 40 years, so it's a big blow."
Polestar Chromoworks is a web-offset printer, producing magazines, catalogues and commercial work for leading publishers and retailers.
Clients include Tesco, Argos and Littlewoods.
It has had a factory in Wigman Road for about 40 years and it was graced with a visit from Princess Anne in its heyday.
The firm is linked to Polestar Digital, whose state-of-the art printing factory in Annesley was officially opened by Ashfield MP and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon in 2000.
The company had moved from Hucknall Road to the purpose-built premises at the Sherwood Business Park, Annesley.
It had previously printed petrol and clothing coupons during the war, and made packets for John Player cigarettes.
In 2001, 32 workers were made redundant from the Aspley factory due to financial difficulties. A further 15 workers lost their jobs in 2008.
The senior member of staff, aged 30, of Wollaton, said: "The decision has been made to close because of the current market. They've estimated a loss this financial year.
"It's been coming for a while and people have got used to hearing it but this time it's certain and people are upset."
Another member of staff, who asked not to be named, said: "We are all sad about it. The factory has been here for a long time."
The Post made several attempts to contact the company but no one was available to comment on the record.
Comments
by cliftonred1
Friday, March 08 2013, 8:33PM
“Another sign of the times the print industry has been in decline for years. Just goes to show any worker can lose there jobs in the current climate and i feel for some of there staff who have worked there 40 years because i've been in that situation and it really hits you hard. Mainly because that's probably all they know and at that age group they will find it very hard to find work because it's mainly minimum wage out there and they will be used to decent wages. Another warning of the times we now live in”