The Tyne and Wear-based printer began talks with its 148 staff through a Communication and Consultation Forum on Wednesday (21 May) to discuss the possible relocation of operations to alternative premises within the North East.

Managing director Paul Dobson said: "Following another year of loss making, due to the decline in core business with existing clients, it is clear the current business operating model cannot be sustained going forward."

The company, which was established in 1968, opened a massive 11,000sqm newly built site in December 2005 following a fire at its former premises in Washington, Tyne and Wear.

In a statement, the printer said the search for a new site was "a blueprint for the future direction of the business".

It added if it does close the Washington site and relocate its operations to premises elsewhere within the North East, "a number of alternative roles will be available for some employees".

Dobson said the company predicted significant growth potential in certain areas, such as digital print and transpromotional materials, which "will utilise and build on our skills in data manipulation, digital print, enclosing and product fulfilment".

"In the short term, there may be some difficult decisions to take, but all our thinking is based on securing the long-term future of the business," he added.