The new Ilford - Ilford Photo

peter_n · 02-22-2005

The announcement was made today of a management buyout that saves around 380 jobs in Cheshire near where I grew up. Great news, especially given the doleful news from Leica... From today's Manchester Evening News (my local paper

):

"The new company will trade as Ilford Photo under the corporate name of Harman Technology - named after Alfred Harman who started the company."

Manchester Online link

Ilford Press Release

Stu :) · 02-22-2005

Brilliant news indeed... my darkroom was starting to look like it was sponsored by Agfa.

Stu

Solinar · 02-22-2005

That is good news, as I like using Ilford's DDX, their Mutilgrade paper developer and Multigrade WarmTone paper. I also use their XP2 and Delta 3200 film. So, it is reassuring to see their presence at the PMA in Orlando, FL.

The black and white market is a fairly mature one, the consumer film end is long gone and most of the pro's have already left the ship for digital. Therefore, I would hope to be a good base of amateur and fine art photographers to make for a niche, as most of the shrinkage has already occurred.

After seeing all the calamitous commotion in the Leica forum over at Photo. net this week over their current troubles, this is a welcome bit of news.

Designer · 02-22-2005

Good news indeed!

digitalox · 02-22-2005

Sweeet News! When I first heard about it and the possible price increase, I took most of my left over b-day/x-mas $$$ and loaded up the darkroom. Bought a lot of ddx, ilford fixer, papers, and some delta. I hope this all works out for Ilford!

StuartR · 02-22-2005

Thank Jebus! I am so glad that at least Ilford will remain intact for awhile.

for what it's worth, it's shameful what is going on at the Leica forum. Everybody is bashing the company whose equipment the forum is about. I just don't get it. Leica in financial trouble should be bad news for everyone on that forum, whether they use the cameras or not. It is like a bunch of arm chair CEO's with no knowledge of Leica's situation and even less knowledge of history/business/obligation to employees, shareholders, and owners.

Socke · 02-23-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartR

Thank Jebus! I am so glad that at least Ilford will remain intact for awhile.

for what it's worth, it's shameful what is going on at the Leica forum. Everybody is bashing the company whose equipment the forum is about. I just don't get it. Leica in financial trouble should be bad news for everyone on that forum, whether they use the cameras or not. It is like a bunch of arm chair CEO's with no knowledge of Leica's situation and even less knowledge of history/business/obligation to employees, shareholders, and owners.

And especialy a total lack of any knowledge about european and german business practices if not the world in general.
Judging from PN one could come to the impression Leicas cause brain damage :-)

peter_n · 02-23-2005

Believe it or not, it used to be a really good forum. I learned more there than anywhere else when I was an RF newbie. The forum has never been the same since a meltdown just about a year ago when most of the decent, photographically knowledgeable people left.