Commercial director Ian Linkins said 17 titles would go to Benhamgoodheadprint (BGP) with nine moving to William Gibbons.

The additional titles had come from a movement of other work from printers, he said.

Although Linkins was saddened by recent events at TPL, the announcement almost coincided with the end of the magazines contracts at the company.

In some ways it gave us a head start over others who were having to move work, he said.

Meanwhile the GPMU has called the decision to close TPL mercenary, and is taking advice on possible legal action against the company (PrintWeek 11 March).

GPMU regional officer Tom Lowe said he was extremely disappointed at the decision, which would see some 200 jobs lost.

TPLs owners, Singaporean media group Times Publishing, are due to issue individual notices to employees next week.

This is in breach of the spirit of the 90-day consultation process, and we are currently taking legal advice on this, Lowe said.

A meeting has been scheduled for 25 March, which will see GPMU officials meet with a senior representative from its Singaporean owners.

Lowe said he would also seek an explanation as to why a prospective management buyout (MBO) was also rejected.

In the main the company was profitable, and I am sure an MBO would have been sustainable, he said.

The GPMU is also seeking the support of local MPs and MEPs in the matter, including Labours Worcester MEP Neena Gill, and Conservative MP for Mid-Worcester Peter Luff.

by Andy Scott