Managing director Andy Pickett and operations director for finishing Steve Shaw have resigned. Pickett is being replaced by Polestar Petty managing director Lindsay Atkinson.

"We have not been satisfied in the way Chantry has been developing for a number of months," said Polestar group operations director Mike Young. "Chantry is currently in the middle of a major investment programme and Lindsay did a great job at turning around Petty."

Last month Polestar Chantry went into the final stages of equipping its 10m finishing and mailing facilities.

Atkinson's role at Petty has been filled by Chris Bowen, who has joined from MG Rover, where he was managing director for manufacturing.

"He has experience in working on very thin margins and the expertise to squeeze out the last penny of costs," said Young.

Story by Philip Chadwick