Polestar Group
Created in 1998 by Investcorp, the Polestar Group has emerged as the leading independent
printing business in Europe. More than twenty operating plants throughout the United
Kingdom, Hungary and Spain deploy the latest technologies to print and finish high-quality
colour magazines, newspaper supplements and catalogues, and to provide specialist
direct marketing services. With annual sales of over £0.5 billion and more than
5,000 employees, Polestar serves highly competitive European markets, consistently
delivering to the tightest deadlines.
Following a review of the terms and conditions of employment, we worked with the
management teams throughout the UK to gain commitment to a programme of cost reduction
that saved over £20 million a year. A similar initiative was undertaken at the four
plants in Spain, and later, in the printing facility in Hungary. These assignments
provided the foundation for better organisational structures, job accountabilities
and measures of performance for the principal plants and the Group’s head office.
Our work concentrated on analysing the business’ long-term goals, the structure
and controls required, and the related core processes. This realised substantial
additional savings while creating the framework for growth and for a new, integrated
information system.
The Polestar Group has recognised the tough operating environment in which it does
business and the threats and opportunities presented by new technologies. Finally,
we completed an evaluation of proposals, on behalf of the investors, for a £100
million investment in a new greenfield facility, the re-equipment of the binderies
and the adoption of web-based technologies to strengthen relationships with customers.