Thursday 9th June 2005: The Polestar Group has today announced its proposal to implement a phased closure of Polestar Purnell, its gravure printing site based in Somerset. This will result in the loss of a total of 420 permanent jobs. A ninety-day consultation period with union representatives and employees will begin on Monday 13th June. Managing Director Alan Fraser says: “In spite of genuine efforts made by the management and staff over the last 12 months, the company has continued to trade unsatisfactorily for a number of years. With high operating costs and additional competition from the gravure and web-offset markets, it is not viable to retain this business. We will be working with the relevant parties to ensure that the consultation process is as constructive as possible for all employees.” Opportunities for suitable alternative employment elsewhere in the Group are being explored. Polestar Purnell produces magazines and newspaper supplements for a range of publishers. The relevant customers have been notified and arrangements will be made, where appropriate, to absorb work in to other Polestar sites.