The shut-down is in line with Polestars strategy of creating a smaller number of larger sites but group operations director Mike Bartlett admitted, there are particular issues relating to Polestar Anglia profitability.

The company is moving one of its two Heidelberg Web 8 presses to Polestar Colchester, potentially creating job opportunities for a few of Anglias staff, who have been invited to apply for the positions.

Additional ctp and ancillary equipment will be distributed around the groups other sites.

Polestar Anglia has now entered into a 30-day consultation period with the unions and employees that will begin immediately. Subject to that process, the company will provide advice and liaison with local job agencies.

The decision to close Anglia follows last weeks sale of Polestars Select Envelopes division, while the company is also reviewing the future of Polestar Purnell, which employs 600 staff [PrintWeek 4 March]. Both companies are based in Paulton, near Bristol.

by Tony Brown