Media Insider understands Bowker\u2019s acquisition blindsided Stuff but it said in a press release today that his move had nothing to do with its print plant strategy. It said it had been working on a plan for several years.<\/p>\n
\u201cBringing our printing operations under one roof has been a part of our strategic plan since the [management buyout of Stuff for $1] in 2020,\u201d said Boucher. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe had considered various options over that period, however the Christchurch consolidation clearly stood out as best for the business, as it significantly reduces ongoing costs as well as improving operational efficiencies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stuff owner and chief executive Sinead Boucher. Photo \/ Michael Craig<\/p>\n
The company had also launched its specialist, paywalled websites for The Post and The Press newspapers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Petone site was bought from Australia\u2019s Nine Media by new owners in November,\u201d said Boucher.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis did not factor into the future of the plant for Stuff, as the Christchurch option was already well advanced. It is a significant boost for the business, allowing us to optimise our print operations alongside the growth of our digital news platforms.<\/p>\n
\u201dWe have made the decision to announce today, while the lease still has a year to run, in order to give our expert printers and other staff as long a lead time as possible,\u201d Boucher said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will consult with our 30 staff at Petone over the coming weeks and months on the individual impact to their roles and will be looking for opportunities for redeployment within the business, including at our Christchurch site where we will be adding jobs to accommodate the additional work.\u201d<\/p>\n
The company said North Island papers, including The Post, The Wairarapa Times-Age, the Manawatu Standard and Taranaki Daily News and lower North Island editions of the Sunday Star-Times, would be printed in Christchurch.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to personally thank all the incredible staff at Petone for the terrific job they have done over the years, including working through earthquakes, Covid lockdowns, roof leaks and tsunami threats to keep that operation running as smoothly as possible,\u201d said Boucher.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are some of the most innovative and hard-working people in our business. I hope today\u2019s announcement provides them with certainty for planning for the change.\u201d<\/p>\n
Boucher said there was a clear plan underway with what needed to be done to decommission the Petone plant. That alone is expected to be a costly move.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are well prepared for what needs to happen at the site and have no issues with next steps. This is a move that makes sound financial and operational sense for our business and for our customers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier: Stuff faces print-plant eviction<\/p>\n