The Goodhead Group has axed entire layers of senior and middle management during a clearout at Goodhead Print in Bicester.


The action comes two months after PrintWeek revealed that former Benham & Co managing director Ron England had assumed responsibility for the Groups web operations at Colchester and Bicester (PrintWeek, 30 March).


A source close to the company said: I believe that theyve done the right thing. Nothing has changed there in the last 20 years.


PrintWeeks source said it was understood that five directors were among those deposed, everyone above shift manager level has gone, he said. It is believed that former Goodhead Print managing director Geoff Hughes and print manager Ken Webb have been ousted along with Graham Harwood, Tony Conboy, Alan Moore and Paperback Binders manager Ian Matthews. Hughes played an instrumental role in securing the Exchange & Mart contract, which experienced initial production difficulties.


GPMU Home Counties West branch secretary Tony Kingston said: The situation is something were keeping a close eye on. Goodhead represents our largest chapel. I know that there wont be a pay rise there this year.


The group, comprising Goodhead Print, Stones The Printers in Banbury, Paperback Binders and Benham & Co, was bought from public ownership last year after a bid from Madejski valued it at 31.3m. It has some large investment looming, with a 9m Heidelberg M4000 Sunday press ordered for Goodhead Print and a 64pp MAN Roland Lithoman IV destined for Benham & Co.


The firm was ranked 36 in PrintWeeks Top 500 last year with a turnover of 62.67m. Goodhead Group managing director John Cooling was unavailable for comment.


Story by John Davies