The Paarl Media Group reported being overwhelmed by the messages of encouragement and support from staff, the community, clients, suppliers and the printing industry following the devastating effect of the recent fire at Paarl Print.
This has prompted the Paarl Media Group to announce, earlier than anticipated, that the operation of Paarl Print will definitely be re-established in Paarl. This is being done without consultation with loss adjustors, but in the faith that the community of Paarl, which has been loyal to Paarl Print over the years - and the support of clients - will make this possible.
The re-establishment will not occur on the current Paarl Print site as all buildings have been condemned by the Department of Labour and an attempt to rebuilt Paarl Print at this site would take at least 18 months. It is the intention of the Paarl Media Group to find a comprehensive solution in a short a time as possible and more details will follow during the next three weeks.
According to the press statement, the re-establishment of Paarl Print will ensure the level of technology and focus that both staff and clients expect.
The group also announced the acquisition of a 64-page manroland Lithoman Press for Paarl Web Gauteng and a 16-page manroland Rotoman press for Paarl Gravure in Montague Gardens. These acquisitions will replace the capacity loss suffered by Paarl Gravure due to the damage caused on one of its publication gravure presses earlier this year.
The nature of the capacity replacement, and geographical positioning thereof, is intended to place the group in a better position to service clients more efficiently on a national basis in the rapidly changing print media environment.
This is the first step by the Paarl Media Group to establish both publication gravure and web offset capabilities in a single plant in Cape Town, while continuing to expand the facilities in Joburg. These plants will be supported by the strategic establishment of a heatset web offset plant in KwaZulu-Natal within the next 12 months.
The thoughts and prayers of the entire Paarl Media Group remain with the families of the deceased as well as its staff still recovering in hospital.
