Garnett Dickinson is hoping to become the first web printer in the country to go totally CTP with an Agfa Galileo system.


"This is going to make us the first 100% CTP digital web house in the country, which is a big deal for the industry," said Garnett Dickinsons managing director Nick Alexander. "We aim to achieve this by Christmas."


The Rotherham firm already has around 80% of its work output direct to plate by repro house Jennings DAR.


The firm will continue to take plates from Barnsley-based Jennings, one of the UKs biggest trade CTP services, which recently bought a new CreoScitex Trendsetter to back up its Creo VLF platesetter.


"Jennings will continue to work for us, but because we want to put another 20% of volume through, it doesnt have enough kit," he said.


Initially Garnett Dickinson will use the B1 Galileo, which is driven by Agfas Apogee PDF-based workflow and uses Thermostar thermal plates for 20% of its plates. However, Alexander said he eventually wanted most of the CTP production done at his firms Rotherham site.


The print firm produces magazines, brochures and catalogues in runs from 7,000 to 150,000.


Garnett Dickinsons clients include the BBC and Thomas Cook. Its print set-up spans web, sheetfed and digital. The firm runs two webs, a Heidelberg M600 and Baker Perkins G16, Komori B1 presses and an Indigo TurboStream digital press.


John Jennings, managing director of Jennings, said: "It was an understanding from day one they may go their own way and it is no surprise. I dont think it will concern us."


Story by Jez Abbott