PrintWeek has also learned that investment in the Theale, Reading-based company was expected last month, according to a letter from directors Tom and Finnbar Payne to MPC's staff, in which they promised to pay wages by 13 May.

Tom Payne told PrintWeek on Tuesday (31 May) that an announcement would be made "in the next week".

However, no work is being carried out at the factory and all employees were sent home on 26 May and informed the company was going into administration.

In a letter to employees, signed by both Finn and Tom Payne, the directors had been in talks with an investment company. According to the letter, on 6 May, the directors "signed all paperwork relating to the investment".

The letter stated: "As you are aware there have been no wages issued to any employees since putting an application to go into administration.

"We anticipate that we should have all working capital in place by Friday 13 at the latest, upon which MPC will make a same day transfer that will cover all outstanding wages direct into employee's accounts."

However, employees are continuing to contact PrintWeek, claiming it has now been eight weeks since any pay was received.

According to a letter dated 26 May, sent to staff when they were informed verbally by Finn Payne that the company would be going into administration, it stated that "as recently as last month the company's former bankers Clydesdale attempted to force the company into administration by demanding an immediate repayment.

In the letter, Payne claimed: "Whilst we were able to re-bank the company the level of debt is not manageable. The company is therefore no longer in a position to make payments to you for services rendered under your contract of employment and unfortunately will be terminating your contract of employment with effect from 26 May."

He added that the directors would "shortly be taking formal insolvency advice as to how to deal with the company appropriately. When the insolvency practitioner is confirmed he or she will forward you form RP1. The form enables you to claim outstanding monies due to you."

The company filed an intention to appoint an administrator at the High Court on 13 April, however, this expires after 10 days.

One employee, who did not wish to be named, told PrintWeek: "A couple of the guys were in tears last week. There was no thank you for the hard work, none of that. This has had a huge impact on people's lives; we just want to get it resolved as soon as possible and get what is ours."

MPC founder Maurice Payne passed away in January. His sons Tom Payne and Finnbar Payne were appointed as directors of the company.

Also a director is John Davies, who was appointed on 18 April. Davies was formerly a director at Surrey printer DC Print, which went into liquidation in February.

Company Maurice Payne Litho, which also has Davies and both Payne brothers as directors, changed its name to Maurice Payne on 26 May 2011, the day that employees were informed that they were being made redundant.

Finnbar Payne is also director at a new company Jumbo Media, which was formed on 8 April.