Webprint acquires INM print facilities in Citywest
By Maurice Garvey
WEBPRINT has acquired the former Independent News & Media (INM) print facilities at Citywest and plan to recommence operations there within the next two months.
The move is welcomed by the privately owned Cork company, who print more than 60 publications including The Echo, the Business Post, and INM titles.
The printing presses acquired by Webprint from Independent News Media
INM stopped printing in Citywest in March 2020 following a decision to shift newspaper printing to their own Newry plant.
INM currently sub-contract printing to Webprint and this will continue.
The printing presses at Citywest were due to be decommissioned however, this will not now occur and Webprint intend to expand the business and recruit extra staff.
The company will continue to operate from their Mahon-based plant in Cork.
Managing Director of Webprint Donagh O’Doherty told The Echo the expansion could mean an extra 20 staff are required.
“Both plants (Cork and Citywest) are German manufactured printing presses but a whole training requirement is needed,” he said.
“Some of the old printing staff from Citywest are more than welcome to apply. They have the skills and knowledge.”
Mr O’Doherty said some of the staff in Cork may move to Citywest, but “not all will”.
Founded in 2006, Webprint are the largest independent coldset web offset printer in Ireland.
Originally founded as a contract national and regional newspaper printer, they expanded and today cater for a wide range of commercial and newspaper clients in Ireland and Britain.
INM closed the Citywest plant last year saying the decision was made due to the continuing decline in circulation and advertising revenues and the fact that larger than expected numbers of staff had applied for the voluntary redundancy scheme. The closure resulted in the loss of more than 80 jobs.
Both sides declined to discuss the financials behind the transaction.
In a statement, INM confirmed that agreement has been reached with the landlord of the former print site in respect of the surrender of its remaining long-term lease commitments.
By subscribing to The Echo you are supporting your local newspaper Click Here: Echo Online.
