A new Heidelberg B2 CD74 six-colour press will be installed in August 2007, as well as a Heidelberg hybrid flexo and offset DuoPress – the first in the UK – which will be installed in January 2008.

A Gietz foiling machine has also been taken on and will be installed this July.

John Watson, chairman and chief executive of the Glaswegian firm, which supplies the Scotch whisky industry among others, has also said that the firm is planning to relocate to larger premises.

“The labels that we produce are highly professional. You are never home and dry, but we do work terribly hard and are well perceived in the drinks industry. We are a fast-moving company,” said Watson.

A further 25 staff are also expected to be taken on over the next few years, taking the firm’s workforce to 105.

Joint managing director Robert McLachlan said that the firm is already looking at plans to build a new facility in the Glasgow area, which is expected to get underway within the next few months.

The company has reported an increased turnover of £9.5m, an increase that goes against the trend across most printers in the industry, who are struggling under the effects of consolidation and globalisation.

Simon Fairclough, director of the Scottish Print Employers’ Federation, said: “John Watson has demonstrated with this investment that there are some very sound and forward-looking businesses in the industry.

“The market space that he occupies is a very positive and impressive one.”

The family-run business dates back to 1825. Watson took the firm over from his father in 1971.

In June last year, Watson was awarded an OBE as part of the Queens’ Birthday Honours , for services to printing and charity.

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JOHN WATSON & COMPANY
Chairman and chief executive John Watson
Joint managing directors Robert McLachlan, Allan McDonnell
Staff 80; plans to take on an additional 25
Turnover £9.5m
New presses Heidelberg B2 CD74 6-colour press, a Heidelberg DuoPress
Location Townhead, Glasgow