De La Rue in Gateshead has become the first printer in a non-euro-using country to print euro banknotes.


But the firm was unable to reveal details of the job. "As a matter of practice we dont discuss banknote contracts," said a spokesman.


The contract is believed to be an overspill from another manufacturer.


The news comes as the UNI-Europa Graphical claim-ed over 300 delegates from 13 EU countries attended a demonstration over euro banknote printing plans in Frankfurt on 19 June (PrintWeek, 8 June).


It is also holding a press conference today (29 June) where it will demand maintenance of national quotas, talks with unions about job losses and a European social plan including job loss compensation.