North Star Computers Plc, the European manufacturing and assembly arm of privately owned North Computers Ltd, has been placed in receivership by Ireland’s Foir Teoranta (CI No 1,060). Based in Cork, the troubled multi-user MS-DOS microcomputer builder has had problems funding its Cork operations due to problems back in America, where its parent suffered a number of bad contracts. However the company, under the guidance of former Apple Ireland chief A J Wrafter, enjoyed considerable success in Europe, which grew to represent 80% of group turnover according to one source. An attempt was made to link the company with disk drive and computer peripherals manufacturer Sysgen Inc of Fremont, California which was looking to expand in Europe. In the meantime it was bankrolled to the tune of UKPIr800,000 by Foir Teoranta, a statesubsidised body with a mission to help manufacturing companies that have hit hard times. But following the collapse of North Star in America Foir had no option but to call in the receiver, Gerard Kinnane from Coopers & Lybrand in Cork. The Industrial Development Authority says that it hopes to find alternative employment for the staff, which numbered 120 earlier this year, and says it is negotiating several alternative projects for the site.
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