The start-of-the-art printworks are on the site of the former Universities Press, at Alanbrook Road, following its acquisition last year by Graham & Heslip.

The premises have been renovated and the Hodge Office Showroom that was originally on the site has been relocated to new premises at Beechill Industrial Estate, part of which used to be occupied by Graham & Heslip.

Graham & Heslip said the decision to open the new printworks would help the company to expand internationally. First Leader-designate Peter Robinson joined the company's managing director Diarmuid McGarry and chairman Ken Cleland at the official opening.

Cleland said: "This is a great boost to both the Castlereagh area and the Northern Ireland economy. It allows us to continue to effectively compete locally, nationally and globally."

The new B1 press hall includes 10-colour, and four-colour with coater, Heidelberg presses and an eight-colour Man Roland press.

Graham & Heslip prints items including advertising and design promotional literature, travel brochures and Christian literature. It has more than 100 employees.

The company's clients are based in Ireland and throughout the UK, USA and Europe, and include Coca-Cola and The K Club.