The whole project is running slightly ahead of schedule according to Polestar project managing director Mike Young. "The roof is finished and by the end of next week the building will be completely sealed," he said. "Next week the press bases are being poured."

This scotches rumours circulating the industry that the foundations for the site were not strong enough to support the massive gravure machines.

Pre-press supplier Bauer, which is handling the installation of its own, Kasper Walter's and Hell's equipment, began fitting cylinder cranes this week. The firm will be onsite until January when cylinder production begins. "We begin producing cylinders three months ahead of when we need them, and will be producing them for other Polestar sites," said Young. "In gravure if you can produce cylinders you've won half the battle."

Story by Barney Cox