Reports of site closures and staff sent home are still whirling, but facts surrounding the full extent and nature of the Focus Press's troubles remain elusive. Despite sources indicating an operation shut down today, the company's Matraville and Canberra sites are up and running with staff being told it's "business as usual".
Reports have emerged the business is up for sale, with potential buyers already considering options. Sources also claim that administrators have been appointed, although these reports have since been denied. Major industry suppliers have withdrawn credit facility from the business, including paper merchants Spicers, said be to owed $2.3 million, BJ Ball and K.W. Doggett.
- David Fuller, CEO, Focus Press
Employees were reportedly waiting to be told whether or not to come in for work today, but as of publication the Matraville site is up and running with a full complement, and staff at its Canberra plant have been told it's "business as usual." The present status of the company's troubled Wollongong facility is unconfirmed at the time of publication, and while its South Strathfield office was answering phone calls, staff declined to comment on the extent of operations.
Focus Press CEO David Fuller was unavailable for comment, but remains defiant on the suggestion of the company being wound up.
Update - As of this afternoon, sources report the South Strathfield site is a closed up shop, roller doors up and running a skeleton crew. There are staff on deck finishing off urgent jobs, but no new jobs appear to be going on the presses.
We will continue to update you as news come to hand.