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Potts throws back move date

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Thomas Potts has postponed plans to move all its print manufacturing under one roof in Harlow after selling BP Cook, its screen printing operation, to Epping-based screen and digital printer Blacketts.

Thomas Potts chief executive Mark Scanlon said Harlow-based BP Cook, which trades as Serigraphic, would have been the "hub" of the single production site. Premier Metropolis, the group's Docklands-based litho arm, will stay put for the time being.

The sale comes three months after Thomas Potts announced a group-wide review led by Scanlon (PrintWeek, 30 August). Then, at the group's AGM a month ago, chairman Stephen Hargrave said the review could lead to the disposal of some companies.

"A number of parties expressed an interest in a number of our companies," said Scanlon. "As a result we decided to sell this one."

Under the terms of the sale, Thomas Potts will receive all trade debts and accrued income of BP Cook prior to completion.

Blacketts was set up five months ago by three former BP Cook staff and it employs 30 people.