Barella Forme Cutting has closed its doors, with its equipment auctioned, and factories sold.

The two-person operation had seven workers in its peak, having been started in a garage 40 years ago by owner Barry Murphy.

Murphy says, “Free trade used to be smuggling in the old days. Free trade is what is causing the closure of businesses. Everyone is now getting their products from overseas, and packaging requirements are reduced. There has been an adverse effect from digital print as well.

“I think it was also combination of idiot governments not supporting small businesses like they say they will.”

While the sale of the two factories was successful, the auction did not meet Murphy’s expectations.

“Well, we have got over our minimum requirement, not our great expectations for the auction. We are satisfied.

Forme supplier Hygrade has also recently closed, with 50 staff losing work, some now picked up by rival companies: nine at Able Cutting Forme, and three at Martin O’Brien Formes.

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