Mark Shergill reveals his expanding print empire’s new brand name, Focus Print Group. He breaks his silence after nearly three weeks to reassure customers it’s business as usual, as he folds the now-defunct Focus Press’s client list, assets and select employees in under the new masthead.
Shergill unveiled the Focus Print Group brand in a statement late yesterday. He confirmed some key details saying, “Some misleading articles have caused unnecessary confusion and for legal reasons I have not been able to make a statement until now. I want to look after the remaining staff and get on with the business at hand to create a positive environment where we can succeed as a team.”
All former Focus Press sites will be consolidated to Strathfield, with machinery and equipment to be relocated soon. It remains unclear exactly what pieces of equipment Shergill has purchased and nature of that transaction. He confirms that he has picked up “major assets” and that he is currently working with Focus Press’ liquidators, Worrells.
Shergill adds, “While it is a shame when a business is no longer able to operate, the acquisition of Focus Press affords us an opportunity in the current difficult climate to expand our business with caution while providing jobs, security and a belief in the future of the industry as a whole.”
The emerging east coast print magnate says that the new Focus Print Group will encompass his other companies, the neighbouring Print Warehouse, NewTone, BPA Print Group and Troedel Print in Melbourne, and Dynamic Print Communications in Queensland.
Shergill clarifies that he has retained some Canberra staff to continue to service the ACT. The majority of Focus Press’ staff have received termination letters, and been advised to the government’s General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (GEERS).
Focus Press' Matraville, South Strathfield and Illawarra sites are all up for sale, with the government confirming actions are already underway to reclaim its $6 million grant money.
Shergill started his print career 30 years ago in Marrickville shop-front called Jamar Printing. Since then Shergill's family-run business has grown over the years, with multiple acquisitions building up an east coast empire.
He says, "With our head office in Sydney and manufacturing across three states including Queensland and Victoria, the future is looking bright."