PDG's 4,000m2 plant in Tyneside, which was "wiped out" in May resulting in 2004's biggest insurance claim for a fire, has been refurbished and stacked with kit worth nearly 11m.

Two six-colour Komori Lithrone 640 presses and three new Bobst cutting and creasing machines have gone into the building, with a new pre-press department. An existing Lithrone 640 has been refurbished.

Joint managing director Gordon Scorer said completion was due in a month, with the official opening set for January.

"It was the biggest insurance fire this year in the UK," he said. "We immediately went into two temporary factories nearby and were lucky because Drupa happened at the same time.

"We went around with a shopping basket and bought all the kit we needed."

At the time of the fire Scorer said: "You border on the suicidal" (PrintWeek, 19 August), but the firm now expects to increase turnover by around 4m to 20m.

"This reflects the energy and work put in by our staff and the loyalty of our customers," said Scorer.

Story by Jez Abbott