Newsquest boosts inserting at Brighton site

Newsquest Sussex has installed a Ferag RollSert to cope with the growing demand for inserts in regional newspapers.

The Brighton factory, part of the giant Newsquest Media Group owned by Gannett UK, is one of the first UK firms to buy the Drupa launched inserter.

The firm produces two daily versions of The Argus regional newspaper and contract work on its Goss HT60 press. It spent two years researching inserters, looking at kit from four mailroom suppliers.

"Moving to online inserting will save costs and improve efficiency," said group print manager Ian Hunter. "Up to now we've hand inserted for a couple of papers.

"Using an army of staff for supplements is time consuming. The Ferag will give huge improvements in productivity and cost saving."

Hunter said the RollSert's flexibility and easy integration with existing production lines made it good for bulky inserts like CDs and thick, large leaflets as well as property sections.

The machine includes four MultiStack units using UTR conveyor technology for differentiated bundling. The upgrade was prompted by rising demand for stitched and trimmed inserts and to allow for more contract work.

Cumbrian Newsprint installed the world's first 35,000 cph RollSert last year.

Story by Jez Abbott