Henry Ling, the original UK user of the Linotype Gutenberg CTP system, has decided to upgrade with a combined Topsetter/Trendsetter package from Heidelberg.


The Dorset scientific and technical journal specialist was the UK beta site for Gutenberg in 1995.


The firm said it had "continually monitored" CTP options during the intervening period, and carried out a full analysis at Drupa 2000.


Its decision to upgrade was spurred by a desire to use widely-available thermal plate technology, and the company was also aware that the limited Gutenberg user base could have implications for service and repair. Henry Ling is replacing one Gutenberg with a fully-automatic Topsetter.


It is maintaining its two platesetter set-up for back-up purposes, and is also installing a semi-automatic Trendsetter VAL. The firm is currently evaluating 830nm thermal plates.


Henry Lings decision means that only one of the five Gutenberg systems installed in the UK now remains. Last month London-based Matthews the Printers announced it would replace its Gutenberg with two Trendsetters.


Printing.com in Manchester is now the only UK site running a Gutenberg, which it retains for contingency purposes "unless a museum wants it".


Story by Jo Francis