Print Week: crisis at York Mailing as the major printing company teeters on the brink of collapse as a creditor blockades site
Print Week have reported on the blockade of York Mailing’s Elvington factory by Birstall-based pallet supplier Showcase Pallets this week who are demanding payment of overdue invoices writes Harry Mottram.
Jo Francis writing on Print Week’s website reported: “Nick Germani, the owner of Birstall-based pallet supplier Showcase Pallets, blocked the access road to York Mailing’s Elvington factory today (29 March) with one of his lorries. Local newspaper The York Press reported that Germani said he was owed £67,000 by York Mailing for supplying more than 8,000 pallets, and was fearful he would not be paid if the firm goes into administration. York Mailing, along with Pindar in Scarborough and YM Chantry in Wakefield, is subject to a fast-track sale process being run by FRP Advisory. NOIs (notice of intention to appoint administrators) have been filed for all three businesses. At least two other lorries were unable to access the site and police were called to the stand-off, but as Germani’s lorry was parked on private land The York Press said the police viewed the incident as a civil matter and did not intervene.”
The crisis comes as some in the industry feel YM’s situation is untenable with the firm about to collapse. Problems arose after the group took on the huge DMG’s work last August but were unable to service the account according to reports. The crisis increased last December when YM’s accounts were not ready on time with the directors claiming there was no crisis.
Observers of the business that employs more than 800 workers and many agency staff (who the union say have been laid off) believe the company is about to enter administration meaning debts may not be paid. Hence the dramatic move by Showcase Pallets.
If YM does go into administration the knock-on effect will be massive with scores of firms left out of pocket and potentially the workers unpaid despite assurances from the management.
It is also a sign of desperation from Showcase Pallets who now realise it is unlikely to be paid but has sent a warning by their action to YM to stop ordering services and products as they may be trading while insolvent.
Ian Carrotte of ICSM said: “It seems the end for part or all of YM if the sale of three of their sites cannot be confirmed this week as the damage to their reputation has already happened. I always stress to members of ICSM that if a client begins to stop paying on time or to make excuses for not paying then stop their line of credit. Running up a bill of tens of thousands of pounds is enough to sink many firms so cutting of credit early and seeking new work is always the favoured option.”
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For details for the work of the journalist Harry Mottram visit www.harrymottram.co.uk