RSM Robson Rhodes partner Daniel Smith said: "The interest shown by the industry has been very keen. Some have already been around the plant and have entered into due diligence."
Smith said the firm, based in Surrey Quays, was operating as usual and enjoyed the support of suppliers, customers and its 105 staff.
Around 50% of Hyway’s work is destined for the City, a sector that has declined over the last year. Smith said that this was compounded by expenses incurred for a planned office in New York that it was poised to open on 20 September 2001.
"We’ve got a good platform to go forward from," said Smith. "The ironic thing is that we are very busy at the moment. Suppliers, customers and the workforce are behind us."
For the year to 30 November 2001 the company recorded a £1.5m pre-tax loss on sales of £16m. In the previous year it made a pre-tax profit of £821,076 on a turnover of £16.6m.
Last year Hyway installed the world’s first 12-colour waterless press, a Mitsubishi Diamond 3000.
Mitsubishi UK sales director Roy Jenkinson said he was "very, very surprised" about Hyway’s problems.
Story by John Davies
