Newsquest in Bolton has signed up for Muller Martini mailroom equipment for its new purpose-built factory in Wingates, a mile away from its current Lostock premises.


The factory will also house a refurbished eight-tower Goss Metroliner. The press, which will have two folders, was formerly housed at The Washington Post and was the one used to break the infamous Watergate scandal.


Newsquest group print director Steve Long said: We start training in July and hope to have full production there by August. Well be able to increase our print run to 2m copies per week. At the moment we do around 1.5m.


The company has invested in two Newsgrip conveyors and four stackers with conveyor systems from Muller Martini.


We went and saw their kit in action at West Ferry and in Carlisle, said Long.


Its flexible and reliable. Also, they offered us guarantees on maintenance and spares, so we know that the system will keep up with the press at 60,000 copies per hour day in, day out.


Long added that through the new facility Newsquest will be able to offer increased pagination and colour, as well as an improved despatch service.


Titles produced at Newsquests Bolton plant include The Bolton Evening News and The Lancashire Evening Telegraph, together with 42 weekly papers.


Story by John Davies