Each installation will comprise a Creo Lotem 800 Quantum platesetter driven by one-bit TIFF files from Artwork Systems Nexus digital workflow. The first MY Cartons facility to install the equipment will be Gillingham, which will be completed by April, followed by Tring, Crewkerne and Leicester.

MY Cartons managing director Stuart Goode said: "Creo CTP is installed and a proven technology at our Imca division sites in Leeds and Hoogerheide, Holland. The objective is to take the Insight division completely digital within 12 months."

MCSi managing director Jo Simons said the deal was the result of two and a half years of talks between the parties.

MCSi also officially opened its Digital Centre of Excellence at its 7m Waltham Cross-based headquarters. The facility contains a spectrum of equipment from digital cameras to the newly installed six-colour B1 Mitsubishi Diamond press.

The centre also houses an Epson Stylus Pro 10000 large-format printer, Mitsubishi Diamond and Cygnus plates, Creo Iris2PRINT proofers, ECRM Mako imagesetters and the InterPlater 85HD/135HD from Glunz & Jensen.

Simons said: "The centre is unique. The industry has stagnated with regards to the way that people have access to technology... with the range we have at the centre it shows an open-minded approach. It will also be used by our partners like Creo, ECRM and IBM."

Story by John Davies