Newsprinters Ltd announces proposal to close Knowsley print plant

Following an extensive review of Newsprinters Ltd (the newspaper printing and distribution business owned by News UK), the business has regretfully concluded that it must propose the closure of its Knowsley print plant in the months to come. The proposal involves work undertaken at Knowsley being transferred to our other print sites at Eurocentral and Broxbourne, in order to retain our UK-wide print and distribution capability for News UK and our other clients.

This proposal is subject to consultation with impacted staff and the company will be engaging with our employees and recognised union as appropriate. This development will have no impact on the publication of any of the news brands manufactured by Newsprinters Ltd.

Newsprinters Managing Director Darren Barker said: “Newsprinters is committed to keeping printed newspapers in the hands of our readers, and delivering for our clients. The proposal to close our Knowsley facility was a difficult decision to reach. However, this proposal is aimed at strengthening our ability to provide long term sustainability to the print and distribution services we provide to clients across the industry. 

“I want to recognise and thank all Newsprinters colleagues and Business Partners in Knowsley for their valuable contribution over many years and their continued cooperation and understanding. We are committed to offering every possible support as we undertake the proper staff consultation process.

“News UK remains committed to print and will continue to invest in both the quality journalism our readers want and our print production and distribution capability serving both in-house and third party clients.”