Andrew Jones joins the group on Monday (16 August). He is currently managing director at Eminox, a manufacturer of vehicle exhaust and emission systems.

"We were looking to attract people from other industries that are typically more advanced in terms of manufacturing than print is, and automotive is one of those sectors," said group operations director Mike Bartlett. "Andrew is a very bright and well-experienced guy. He has been a supplier to car manufacturers and that's the most demanding position to be in because you have to keep your customers' lines running. Some of those just-in-time supply techniques and disciplines are exactly what we want."

Jones will undergo an induction period and be "steeped in the dynamics of the printing industry", before the plant is handed over to him at Christmas/New Year by project director Mike Young. Jones said he was "delighted to have been given the opportunity" and pledged to "ensure [Sheffield's] development into a truly world class manufacturing facility".

The buildings at Sheffield began to take shape this week, with steel erected at the 65,000m2 site. "It's all spot on plan at the moment. It's looking very good," Bartlett added.

[o] The Rotoman N from Polestar East Kilbride, which ceased printing last month, is being moved to Chantry. Kilbride's old KBA web will be scrapped. 

Story by Jo Francis