Goss Restructures UK Operations - R and D Focus

Goss International is proposing a restructuring of its operations in Preston (UK).

Goss International is proposing a restructuring of its operations in Preston (UK).

The programme would retain the Preston site as a key facility for research and development, project management, sales and support services for Goss's products, including the Flexible Printing System (FPS) and Colorliner presses, whilst relocating some activities to other Goss facilities.

Bob Brown, Goss International's chief executive officer, said:"This is a proactive step to improve our cost model and continue the positive momentum and growth we have generated over the past three years.

Because of our global capacity, we have an opportunity to streamline our resources in the UK and align them with market demands whilst continuing to enhance the quality, product range, support and value we deliver to customers." Goss is consulting with the Amicus trade union in the United Kingdom to develop a mutually acceptable plan for the restructuring, including a potential reduction of employment positions in Preston.

The eventual number of jobs affected by the proposed restructuring has not yet been finalised.

Engineering activities related to the new Flexible Printing System FPS, which Goss launched press in 2004, will remain centered on Preston, according to Brown.

The Goss team in Preston will also manage continuous design enhancements, tower additions and support for other products currently manufactured there, including the Colorliner and HT70 presses.

Goss International has nine major manufacturing facilities worldwide and 4,000 employees, including 350 in Preston.

The company generated more than US$1.1 billion in sales in 2005.

In addition to the Preston site, Goss has manufacturing facilities for commercial and newspaper presses and finishing systems in Montataire and Nantes (France); Dover and Durham, New Hampshire (USA); Sayama (Japan) and Shanghai (China).

Goss also manufactures splicers, pasters and dryers in Boxmeer in (The Netherlands) and has a machining facility in Kennedale, Texas (USA).

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