The group has today confirmed that it is in the early stages of consultation with staff at Chatham-based Mackays, which employs around 300 workers, although it declined to comment on how many jobs were at risk. PrintWeek understands that around 70 jobs are at risk.

The announcement comes at a difficult time for UK book printing, following the collapse of Alden Hendi Group earlier this month, which has led industry experts to predict tough times for the sector in the coming months.

Pan-European book printing giant CPI acquired Mackays of Chatham in September 2000 for an undisclosed amount. It forms part of CPI UK’s Trade Books Division, together with Cox & Wyman, Bookmarque and White Quill.

Earlier this year, Mackays announced a £6m investment, including the UK’s first Royal Format Zero Makeready press from Timsons and a 24 station Corona binding line from Muller Martini.