Heidelberg has dismissed speculation that part of its biggest ever order for West Ferry is in doubt.

The Telegraph Group signed a letter of intent for seven Mainstream newspaper presses at Drupa. Two are being installed at Trafford Park, while the others are destined for West Ferry.

Heidelberg sales manager newspaper presses John Coad said: "Theres absolutely no truth behind this. The West Ferry order has always been dependent on how the Trafford Park Mainstreams perform. But if anyone thinks Heidelberg would allow it not to work, theyd better think again."

The GPMUs 700 members at West Ferry have voted for a ballot on industrial action after the firm announced 100 job cuts (PrintWeek, 30 November).

* The Telegraph Group and Guardian Media Group are combining their paper buying from 1 January with a new joint venture, Paper Purchase and Management (PPM). It follows the end of the Telegraph and Express joint venture, Newsprint Management and Supply Services.

Story by John Davies