The firm has installed a second Lscher XPose! 160 platesetter, supplied by Turning Point Technologies, and is looking to cut 16 pre-press positions.

But managing director Roger Pitt said he wanted to redeploy staff in other areas of the business as the company moves to a seven-day working week from five-day running.

We are looking at offering opportunities in other areas like the bindery, machine room and office, said Pitt.

The company has worked weekend overtime shifts in the past when demand dictated but now it aims to run two 12-hour shifts at the weekend to meet demand. People want to shop seven days a week whether they are buying tomatoes or print, said Pitt. It seems like a natural next step. Weve got the machines and we need to get more out of them.

Headley Brothers also runs a Scitex Lotem 800 platesetter in its pre-press department.

The firm specialises in short-run magazines printed sheetfed and web, particularly on its 24pp Heidelberg Sunday 2000 web, the first of its kind in the UK.

Story by Gordon Carson