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KM Group to stop printing own titles

The KM Group is to stop printing its own titles after more than 150 years as part of an ongoing cost-cutting operation.

The Kent-based publisher last week announced plans to shed more than a quarter of its workforce with 159 jobs under threat.

As part of the restructure it is to close its printing operation and outsource the printing of its titles.

The move is designed to coincide with the end of its current contract to print Associated’s Metro newspaper at the end of April.

The publisher’s own titles, including the Kent Messenger, will be moved to another newspaper printer yet to be decided while the presses and mailroom equipment will be sold.

Around 50 print employees are believed to be at risk as a result of the move, but some of them may be kept on by the new contractor as many of their jobs are covered by Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations (TUPE).

Managing director Graham Mead said: “The employees will move across with the contract and it is down to them to decide whether the staff are needed. Jobs may still be saved.

“The Metro contract moves at the end of April and we would like to have everything in place so it can all be moved together.”