The order is understood to involve two high-speed M600Ds and a 32pp Sunday 4000. The first of the M600s is set to be running by September.

Graphoprint's brand new M600D, installed last summer and the first of its kind in the UK, was one of the presses destroyed in the Easter weekend fire at the Deeside factory. The blaze left the firm with just one functioning press, an older M600.

Ostler issued a statement today (13 April). "Following the devastating fire over the Easter weekend and its tragic consequences leading to the loss of a substantial number of jobs, Graphoprint is delighted to announce it has placed an order with Goss for three new presses, the first being delivered at the end of July 2005, the second by end of September 2005 and the third press by end of November 2005.

"The support from the workforce, customers and suppliers has been fantastic and our sincere thanks is extended to each and every one during this difficult time," Ostler said.

Goss general sales manager John Chambers added: "We are going to do everything we can to get these presses delivered as soon as possible in view of the circumstances."

Story by Jo Francis