Talks over printing firm's future

The company boasts one of the most modern presses in the UK

Administrators at a Flintshire printing works say they are holding talks with a number of potential buyers.

Graphoprint, which prints glossy magazines and catalogues, laid off 170 workers last week.

However, Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami has urged business specialists from accountants KPMG not to allow the firm to be asset-stripped.

The firm, based at Deeside Industrial Park, went into administration because of financial problems.

Most of the 190 workers at the plant were laid off four days later, together with 12 staff at the company's headquarters in Milton Keynes.

However, about 20 were kept on at Deeside to help complete outstanding orders and assist in finding a buyer.

'Outstanding'

Mr Tami said he wanted to ensure there was a "full-scale" sale of the business as a going concern in an effort to save jobs.

He said: "The unions and workers do not want Graphoprint to be sold off in parts. It has a proven track record and should not be asset stripped.

"I am confident it offers an outstanding business opportunity and I intend to press this view upon KPMG."

A spokeswoman for KPMG said discussions were taking place with a number of interested parties, but it was too early to say on what basis the business would be sold.

The Deeside plant taken over by new owners a year ago shortly after it was rebuilt, following a major fire in 2005.