Astron chief executive David Mitchell said he believed the contract was, "the largest of its kind in Scotland".

This latest contract win for Astron follows an eight-month tender process conducted by the Scottish Procurement Directorate, the buying department for the Scottish government.

"The key thing is this contract is more than just print management."

Mitchell said customers demands were becoming more sophisticated. The Scottish Executive deal includes photography, video, website services, document management, and exhibition work.

When combined with the firm's contracts with the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Power, its contracts north of the border are worth 55m over the next five years.

Astron held the print management contract for the executive for a number of years, prior to it going out for the new tender.

The Scottish Executive said Astron had offered the best value for money, and its bid included a number of elements that will provide added value and generate savings during the contracts lifetime.

Whilst print forms a part of the contract, Mitchell said some documents will be web-based only.

Publications include internal and external magazines as well as parliamentary and public service documents. Sales and distribution  of publications form part of the deal.

The contract covers the period from 4 October 2004 to 3 October 2007, with two one-year options to extend. A lead in period commenced on 5 August.

The comes soon after Astron's 8m print management contract with Waterford Wedgwood (PrintWeek, 29 July).

Story by Andy Scott