The company will install the Goss Colorliner 70 four-high towers on its existing Visa press next spring and the upgraded press should be fully operational by autumn 2003.

The order also includes two CT50 reelstands, one unit-mounted turner bar and enhancements to the existing folder.

The latest order follows upgrades to the companys press line in 1999 and 2000, and when completed the line will comprise seven four-high towers, two Goss Visa spot-colour units, two 14-cylinder tower units and 10 reelstands.

Kent Messenger Group production director David Dalton said: It has always been our aim to replace all the Goss Visa towers ever since we first upgraded in 1999. Thanks to Goss flexibility we have been able to upgrade in this stage-by-stage way.

An increase in demand for colour coupled with more work had led to the additional towers, he added.

The Kent Messenger Group produces 21 local weekly newspapers including the Dartford Messenger, Dover Mercury, Kent Today and Whitstable Gazette and is a contract printer for Metro.

Story by John Davies