Ashgate Automation goes into liquidation
The printing and binding specialist has faced financial troubles leading to its recent closure
Shining a spotlight on the industry
Monday, 17 Apr 2023 10:30 GMT
It is speculated that Ashgate Automation ceased trading in early 2023 following financial difficulties
Ashgate Automation, a specialist in print and binding technology, is no longer the sole UK distributor for Fastbind after months of speculation regarding its operations.
The company has yet to put out a formal notice, but the appointment of liquidators listed on The Gazette and communication from business partners seemingly confirm the closure of the business.
Ashgate’s website has yet to be updated, with its events section showing its only ‘upcoming’ event as March 2019. The business was based in Oxford and was run by Lewis Price following the passing of his father and founder John Price in 2014.
With a lack of presence on social media, many in the industry have been left in the dark regarding the company’s operations.
The liquidators are listed as Simon Lowes and Stephen Mark Powell from Begbies Traynor based in Southampton. Members and creditors appointed the pair on April 6th, 2023.
Link Exhibitions, sister company to Link Publishing, recently told Print Monthly that it faced legal challenges with Ashgate Automation which led to a victory in court when the business failed to arrive at proceedings.
The business has operated since 1989 selling a range of products like booklet makers, card creasers, guillotines, and laminating machines.
As a trusted distributor of Fastbind products such as photobook makers, case markers, and binding machines, the Finnish company is now without a main UK sales channel.
Speaking to Print Monthly, Fastbind spokesperson Geraldine Tortelier, comments: “We have been working towards getting one or more new distributors for Fastbind solutions in the UK. We have made good progress, but nothing yet has been finalised that we can announce.”
Fastbind has informed UK customers that they can order directly from its factory in Finland, but orders must be placed via email to which Fastbind will respond to with an offer or proforma invoice in GBP.
Tortelier adds: “We can ship the parts from Finland following our usual guaranteed terms and conditions, plus we can assist customers via email or video if anyone encounters issues with their equipment.”
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