News
Waddington & Ledger cuts 37 jobs
Unite has begun consultation with Waddington & Ledger following the printer’s announcement of 37 job cuts to its staff of 145.
The West Yorkshire-based direct mail and point-of-sale specialist, the 79th largest printer in the UK according to the PrintWeek Top 500, reportedly made the cutbacks to combat failing prices in the sector.
A spokesman for the plant would only say that there had been "bad effects due to a downturn in business".
A leaked company memo to suppliers said: "You may be aware that we have found it necessary to take the sad step of making some of our excellent people redundant.
"It has been evident to us for some time now that our present manufacturing capacity has been out of step with our customers’ requirements. As a result, we are de-commissioning some of our older presses."
It is as yet unclear which presses will be decommissioned, but the document details plans to invest in digital print and finishing kit.
Steve Hart, Unite regional secretary based in Leeds, said he is currently working with the company to minimise the impact of the cuts.
He told PrintWeek: "I’ve had three meetings with the company so far. We have managed to save the jobs of two people on the shop floor today [Tuesday] and feel negotiations are going well.
"We’ve never had a chapel at the organisation, but we do have members there. So far, 23 jobs have gone from the shop floor."
He added that the company’s web division was the hardest hit, but 11 clerical staff and three managerial and technical staff are among those to go.
Waddington and Ledger’s kit list includes three 16pp Rotoman presses, four 8pp Octomans and a six-colour Heidelberg B1 sheetfed machine. It also has wide-format digital capabilities, including an EFI Vutek QS3200.
In addition to direct mail and commercial print, the company produces PoS, counter displays, floor graphics, vehicle wrapping and signage.
Waddington & Leger was established in 1884 by Solomon Waddington and Arthur Ledger. The company’s clients include Boots, Emap, Lloyds Bank, Open University, Royal Bank of Scotland, Procter & Gamble and Haymarket Publications. It holds FSC and ISO14001 accreditations.
The firm was unavailable for comment.
Factfile
Based West Yorkshire
Job cuts 37
Staff 145
Kit Includes three 16pp Rotoman presses, four 8pp Octomans and a six colour Heidelberg B1 sheetfed machine
Items produced Direct mail and items including PoS banners, FSDUs, floor graphics, and counter displays
Accreditations include FSC and ISO 14001
Waddington & Ledger site
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Comments
Simon Biltcliffe- Webmart - 20 August 2008
I do hope they can pull through, and if this culling of jobs ensures survival then it is a necessary evil- it will be down to ensuring they have enough sales coverage in their chosen marketplaces to see if it is possible. A niche printer ( which they are) is the right thing to do but you MUST get the breadth of sales channels to support it otherwise you are in a very difficult spot.
Simon Biltcliffe
MD
WEBMART
www.FreePrintSales.com
does what it says on the URL!
Simon Bertram - 20 August 2008
Are you the same person as 'Colin the preacher' Simon ? Crikey, the common sense posts on here are fabulous.
All the best to W&L tho I guess new presses will help them readjust themselves in the market place.
Kieran Delaney - 20 August 2008
45 people... We're sorry for all those leaving and hope that these changes aid in the ongoing success of the business.
Advance Search is searching right now for print professionals in West Yorkshire so if anyone requires help finding their next career move feel free to call us, 01244 348482.
www.advance-search.co.uk
Paul Anderson - 20 August 2008
When will it end
Jack Sheperd - 20 August 2008
I too am sorry for the people who have lost their jobs.
The only way forward for printers is to merge and lose cost out of the business.
DEAN SEDDON - 20 August 2008
Hi guys at W&L, never had the priviledge of working with you, all the best and hope this works through.
Mark Snee - 21 August 2008
W&L is a fantastic company that has done as much as anyone to develop their workforce. I was deeply upset when I read last week that they had problems.
All the best to you guys - keep going!
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