The 10,000sqm plant (artist's impression pictured) will form a key part of the firm's 250m outsourcing contract with HSBC, which it won in September. Communisis has taken on 255 HSBC staff and they are set to transfer to the new facility when it opens in 2007.

"HSBC's main facility is in Liverpool and we have made every effort to build on its skills and knowledge," said Communisis executive director Denise Moran. "They have invested time in training staff in the area, so it was a straightforward decision to build the centre in Liverpool."

Communisis has also worked with Business Liverpool, Liverpool Land Development Company and North West Regional Development Agency. The "centre of excellence" will be built at Estuary Business Park in Speke, close to the Prinovis gravure superplant.

The group added that there was "encouraging growth" within the transactional print market with particular focus on customer statements.

"There will be other contracts placed at the centre," added Moran.

Group operations director Mark Cornford will head up the Liverpool facility.