Alito Group, which acquired Lexicon earlier this month, plans to consolidate its sheetfed, digital, direct mail and transactional print operations into east London-based Alito Color.

Alito Web, formerly Centre Web, which Lexicon Press bought from York Mailing, will become the group's hub for web offset operations.

The group's Lexicon Press subsidiary will continue to trade out of Alito Color's Leyton site and Alito Web's Brackmills, Northampton site.

Alito Group chairman Terry Brady said: "This site strategy is designed to create two true centres of excellence – sheetfed, digital, direct mail and transactional in London and web offset in Northampton.

"We’re already expanding at both sites, both in terms of equipment and shift patterns. In fact, we’re now on the lookout for a third web press for Alito Web."

The site consolidation marks a sad end for Round Spinney, which was the main print site of The Print Factory, and which is set to be closed following the 30-day consultation period.

According to Alito, the majority of the Round Spinney staff will be offered positions at either of the two remaining group sites.

"These ambitious plans mean that we very much hope to be able to retain most of the existing Round Spinney staff at one or other of the sites," said Brady.

"This is another important step in our drive to reinforce our long-term efficiency and competiveness, while offering clients the ultimate package of print-related services."