The Kilsyth, Scotland-based firm, which has been family-run throughout its 20 years, is set to switch from film to CTP as a result of the investment, in addition to taking on the 280sqm site adjacent to its current facility.

The Scottish printer is set to go chemistry-free, with processless plates supplies by Heidelberg’s consumables division.

Managing director Craig Cowan said: “We wanted thermal because we wanted to move away from chemistry entirely. Our choice was critical because we are running 600 to 800 plates a month, but we expect the quality and press fit to be a real advantage to us.”

Cowan Print’s new platesetter, which is being supplied with automatic cassette loading, is scheduled for installation in August. It will provide plates for the firm’s Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 52 and GTO presses.