Eastern Counties Newspapers Group (ECNG) is set to become the UKs first newspaper to install thermal CTP.


It will begin trials with the Kodak Polychrome Graphics Newsetter TH100 platesetter and ThermalNews plate later this month at its Norwich site.


"Thermal provides for precise and consistent dot reproduction and fast plate clean up," said managing director of printing Peter Dodds. "This will benefit our customers through later deadlines and improved colour quality."


The company visited a site in Europe to see the Newsetter in production before finally making its decision.


If the trials, which are set to last until the end of the year, are successful, it will install a further two machines as part of a 750,000 deal.


"Im absolutely confident it will perform to specification," Dodds said.


KPG sales and marketing director Terry Baber said: "We are proud ECNG has chosen KPG. We have proved thermal platesetting for newspapers is a winner on the continent and now we will continue that success in the UK with ECNG."


Story by Barney Cox