Gee, the general manager with CPI company Redwood Books, and prior to that with experience at Polestar, will report to Clowes managing director Ian Foyster.

It is the second high profile departure from Redwood to Clowes after sales and commercial director Harry Elson made the switch earlier in the summer.

Foyster said Gee is an additional member to the management team. He came highly recommended by Elson and will bring a level of professionalism to the company as Clowes makes the transition from a directories and research book printer, towards a more commercial operation, he said.

Clowes finalised the sale of its Beccles site to Tesco this week and plans to relocate to its 10,000m2 single room purpose built facility, also in Beccles, by the end of August next year.

Foyster confirmed a number of additional investments. It ordered a 1.75m 96 page Timson press on for delivery in July next year. A fourth Solna two unit web will be installed in early March 2004 at the new site, ensuring a continuous three press operation throughout the relocation. The investment also included a jacketing machine, blocking and casemaking machinery, and a Radius MIS.

Story by Tony Brown