As a result Hannanprint needs to seek a more economical solution for its sheetfed requirements to remain viable, according to IPMG. As a consequence the group will be outsourcing the work within IPMG’s available capacity or possibly with outside suppliers.

Stephen Anstice, CEO of IPMG told Australian Printer unsustainable pricing in the sheetfed market means the necessary capital investment required at Craft cannot be financially justified.

He adds while the decision to close Craft was a difficult one, rationalisations such as this are becoming more common within the Australian print industry.

Anstice says, “The loss of 46 jobs is certainly unfortunate, but it is not a material number. There will be other groups rationalising in the near future with the loss of much greater numbers.

“Once Craft is closed will have a much stronger focus on our remaining print sites. We will be retiring old equipment and continue investing.”

IPMG still has two strong sheetfed businesses in Offset Alpine and Inprint with what Anstice says have modern efficient presses and ancillary equipment that can provide service to Hannanprint and its customers.

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