Ilford Imaging USA open for business as Ilford restructures business worldwide
Ilford Imaging USA Inc., Paramus, N.J., USA, continues to do business as normal, as Ilford restructures its business worldwide. As previously reported, the accounting firm Grant Thornton announced Monday the appointment of partners Mark Byers, Malcolm Shierson and Les Ross as joint administrators of the U.K. parent company Ilford Imaging Ltd., and joint administrative receivers of U.K. affiliate Ilford Imaging UK Ltd. The announcement pertains to those two U.K. companies alone. The Swiss business, including the Ilford production facility in Marly, is solvent and continues to conduct business as usual, as does Ilford Imaging USA Inc., the company says.
"The US entity is operating in a business-as-usual fashion, and is continuing to accept and deliver on its orders as we evaluate how the changes at the U.K. companies might affect us", said Ward Phillips, president of Ilford Imaging USA Inc. "We are taking every action and precaution to maintain ongoing operations with our customers. At the same time, behind the scenes, we will be working with our related companies in the Ilford group to improve its performance and strengthen the outlook for the future", Phillips further stated.
Ilford USA Communications Manager Wendy Erickson said the U.S. firm is solvent, and plans to go forward with their photokina exhibit and booth in PMA 2005. Ilford USA feels confident of its Swiss supply, and markets some things from outside sources. The photo paper and related supplies, however, are probably dependent on the UK parent company finding a buyer.
The Ilford group, founded in 1879 in the UK, developed into a leading supplier of dyes for inkjet photo printers and is the second largest manufacturer of inkjet photo paper.