Jennings Printcare Lanka will start operations from January and will be open to its customers in the UK and other Sri Lankan firms, as well as acting as Printcares own pre-press supplier.

Companies will benefit from significant cost savings, due to the cheaper labour costs on the island as employees receive around 100 a month salary.

The 4m-turnover, 65-staff Barnsley firm is also exploring doing to the same in other markets, including Hong Kong, China and the US. The new facility will also offer access to other Asian markets as India is just 30 miles from Sri Lanka.

Stephen Boardman, commercial and operations director of Jennings DAR, will become the chief executive and managing director of the joint venture. It came about through our contacts, particularly retailers and manufacturers that have moved their production facilities out there. We decided to investigate the opportunities and Sri Lanka appeared extremely professional.

The firm, which will be based on the same site as Printcare, will offer new technology to the island in the form of Prinergy PDF workflow, Creo CTP, Artwork Systems Artpro and Digital Cromalin, added Boardman.

Jennings DAR began talks with Printcare 18 months ago and has received tax holiday incentives from the government for its investment in the area.

Weve had great feedback from clients so far. Up to now no one has put their money where their mouth is with this sort of venture, added Boardman.

Story by Rachel Barnes