Book group CPI is pressing on with its switch to digital pre-press, but the move means the loss of 20 jobs across two sites.

Its Bookcraft plant in Midsomer Norton has shed eight staff and consultation with staff at the pre-press department of Cox & Wyman is underway regarding 12 job losses.

CPI UK managing director Peter Palframan expressed his regret at the job losses but said the move from conventional pre-press was necessary "to deliver the lowest possible cost options to our customers".

"New investment and some innovative production thinking across our group is yielding benefits, but it is regrettable a number of jobs will be lost," he said.

Some 250,000 is being invested in digital pre-press kit with Bookcraft taking delivery of a copydot scanner from Tecsa. Further digital investment will be announced shortly.

Pre-press cover production for CPIs trade division, which comprises Cox & Wyman and Mackays of Chatham, will be consolidated at Mackays.

To help with its additional workload Mackays too will take a Tecsa copydot scanner as well as additional digital storage and workflow software. A new dedicated data link will join the two trade sites.

Story by Lauretta Roberts