In the deal, Norwich-based Archant, signed up for two Z Speed variants, as well as the workflow management system, Kodak Newsmanager, and Kodak Prinergy Evo software.

Archant, which already uses Kodak Newsetter systems and Thermalnews Gold digital plates, bought the new kit in a bid to increase capacity at its recently expanded printing facility.

Nick Schiller, managing director of Archant Print, said: "Recent expansion of our print operation required increased capacity and redundancy, so we took the decision to strengthen our existing technology with Kodak’s new Generation News systems.

"We have always been extremely impressed with thermal technology and this latest investment in Kodak's breakthrough Generation News System is set to further strengthen our capabilities as each platesetter will enable us to image 268 broadsheet plates per hour at 391mm width and at 1270dpi."

The Generation News Platesetter has multiple plate cassettes, enabling fast plate loading and unloading of multiple plate sizes.

It can load up to 1600 broadsheet plates or 800 panorama plates while running continuously with no operator intervention. Integrated plate size selection, slip sheet removal, and three-point registration are all automated to eliminate errors.

Also featured is Kodak's Squarespot Thermal Imaging Technology, which allows Archant to achieve up to 200lpi and to implement Kodak Staccato Screening Technology.

The Archant Group employs 2,600 people throughout England and has an annual turnover of £194m. Its newspapers include the Hackney Gazette, the Exmouth Journal and the Gravesend Reporter.