Administrators were appointed at Padstow-based TJ Books earlier this month. 

Clays currently operates from the UK’s biggest single site book printing facility, at Bungay in Suffolk. The company has been owned by Italy’s Elcograf Group since 2018.

In a letter to customers, Clays CEO Edoardo Cuomo said the TJ buy marked a significant milestone in the firm’s growth journey.

“This development presents exciting opportunities for all of us. It enhances our portfolio, particularly in the ultra-short run segment, where we have faced challenges in investment and capacity. With this acquisition, we can now pursue new customer opportunities, reinforcing our position in the industry.”

He said TJ’s current senior management team, managing director Andy Watts and finance director Andy Adams, would continue to oversee day-to-day operations, “ensuring a seamless transition while allowing us to remain focused on our core business”.

“Our priority is to ensure a smooth integration process. Teams from both organisations will work closely to align operations, share best practices, and maintain the high standards our customers expect. Throughout this transition, our commitment to excellence and service continuity remains unwavering.”

Clays has acquired TJ’s assets and contracts via a pre-pack sale through administrators at KR8 Advisory.

Clays has taken on all 130 staff, and will be reviewing all functions to see where there are synergies with the existing operations in Bungay

It intends to keep the Padstow production facility open along with associated support services. The two factories are around 400 miles apart. 

Joint administrator and KR8 managing director Jimmy Saunders said TJ Books had faced headwinds caused by general economic uncertainty, which were compounded by an “unsuccessful expansion” plan following the acquisition of competitor Charlesworth.

“As the largest employer in the area, it was important to preserve the vital skills and experience of the local workforce and I am delighted that KR8 has played a part in securing the long-term future of this business,” he said.

TJ Books had sales of £15.4m in its most recent accounts, to 30 November 2023.

It runs litho and digital presses, has an in-house bindery, and offers publishers services such as auto stock replenishment.

Clays had sales of £96.7m in 2023, up from just under £91m the prior year. It employed around 820 people at that time. 

The firm recently starred in BBC's Inside the Factory programme.