The principle reason for Ashworth's departure was because the firm's litho press would not be delivered until September next year.

Managing director Paul Whitehurst said the deci-sion to let Ashworth go just eight weeks after his appointment had not been easy.

"We looked at every possibility first," he said. "But we couldn't justify having someone sitting around until then."

Whitehurst nevertheless confirmed that the development plans are on-track. The firm has made a decision on the press, but would not reveal it yet.

Ashworth joined the Manchester-based digital and screen printer from M&S Print (Burnley).

Cestrian announced that it was moving into litho as part of a 4m investment earlier this year (PrintWeek, 19 August).

A five-metre Vutek super-wide printer has also been added to the firm's current kit roster.

Whitehurst said he was more than pleased with the performance of the new Inca Columbia Turbo, which has been in place for just two weeks.

Story by Andy Scott