The Oxfordshire-based machinery supplier stopped trading in early 2023, but has not yet filed any formal notices.

Ashgate sold a wide range of finishing machinery. As well as being Fastbind’s sole UK distributor, the four-staff business also supplied kit from Kasfold and Ideal alongside Duplo, Eurofold, and Matrix machines.

Printweek understands that one of Ashgate’s engineers is in the process of establishing a business to service clients’ Kasfold and Fastbind machines.

Fastbind said that it had made “good progress” towards finding one or more UK distributors, though could not yet disclose who might take up the reins from Ashgate.

In the meantime, the Finnish OEM is taking orders directly from its Helsinki factory. Customers will have to contact the firm directly, as online ordering is not available from the UK.

Fastbind’s marketing and business development consultant, Geraldine Tortelier, added: “For service, they can also contact us directly. 

“We can ship the parts from Finland following our usual guarantee terms and sales conditions and we can assist them via email or video if they encounter issues with their equipment.”

Family run Ashgate was founded in 1989 by John Price. His son Lewis Price joined in 1999 and subsequently managed the business from 2014 after his father passed away.

Printweek has contacted Ashgate Automation for comment.