A source claimed that the packaging gravure engraving group had moved items from Wigan to its Derby site. Tecnograv Wigan closed last month with 30 job losses.

Non-executive chairman of holding company Image Management Technologies  Group (IMTG) Paddy Campbell, said there was "no way we would be that stupid" and said the only equipment that had been moved were computers for security reasons.

"There is bitterness out there and it is frustrating," said Campbell. "There has been a steady decline in gravure that has accelerated this year." He added that the closure of

Tecnograv Wigan allows it to focus on providing a "decent service" for Tecnograv Derby clients.

Tecno Group underwent a "controlled receivership" at the beginning of the year at the instigation of its bankers. See earlier story here.