NWN in staff consultation to close printing plant.

The number jobs being affected stacks to Twenty eight as Newbury Weekly News management is in consultation with print staff over the possible closure of its own print plant.

Newbury CEO James Gurney told PJNews that it was becoming increasingly difficult to remain competitive with larger group-owned print plants.

Added to that, Newsquest will be moving the recently purchased Isle of Wight County Press – one of Newbury’s largest contract customers – back onto Newsquest presses in January. Another Newbury customer, The Maidenhead Advertiser, is also leaving in January.

“We simply do not have the automation and the scales of economy are against us. It’s been a race to the bottom,” said Mr Gurney.

One of the options under consideration at Newbury is to keep the plant live but reduce from a two to one shift staffing structure.