The company, which was established in 1902, has proposed Tenon Recovery in Manchester as liquidators to the printer, with a meeting of creditors scheduled for 20 October.

In a letter to staff, leaked to the St Helens Star and seen by PrintWeek, Rhodes Printing director Mark Ward said "We regret to advise you that, due to the financial position of the company, the directors are taking the necessary steps to place the company into liquidation."

He added: "Unfortunately, the company is no longer in the position to make payments to you for services rendered under the contract of employment."

The collapse follows on from the liquidation of Abbotts Creative Print, which was acquired out of administration by a company called TWRM, of which Mark Ward was also a director.