Reading-based Westcoast a distributor of HP desktop printers, handheld, mobile and desktop PCs, servers and networking products had taken over RESs logistics and administrative functions in February, which led to 14 redundancies at RES (PrintWeek, 8 February 2002).

The firm had been linked with an acquisition of its fellow Thames Valley-based distributor, but the rumours were denied.

Mark Ellis, HPs category manager for the DesignJet range, said HP hadnt been involved in any of the initial talks between RES and Westcoast.

But he said HP was very fortunate that it had two specialist distributors for the range, the other being Art Systems in Beeston. Art Systems continued to be strong and profitable, said Ellis. He thought RESs demise was a disappointment.

Westcoast commercial director Andy Dow told PrintWeek this week: We were doing everything we could to help RES through the period, but unfortunately they were unable to sustain their business.

The firm has so far taken on three of RESs sales and support staff. We are in the process of building a large-format team, added Dow.

RES Holdings, RES Distribution and Calcomp were placed into receivership with BDO Stoy Hayward on 10 April. Managing director Robin East was uncontactable in the days leading up to the appointment as rumours circulated through the industry.

RES was also a reseller for Xerox digital presses. Xerox said it was too early to tell the scale of its losses.

Stoy by Gordon Carson