Southernprint is "re-engineering for the next decade" after ordering a 48pp Heidelberg M4000 Sunday press and taking an option on a second.


The first press will be installed in a new 4,000m factory adjacent to the firms current site at Upton in Dorset. It will be operational next July and increase capacity by 40%.


Southernprint will also build a new bindery and bulk ink tanking. The bindery revamp will be in three stages starting next year.


Its CTP suite, containing two CreoScitex VLF thermal Trendsetters, will be operational next month.


The investment was approved after Southernprint reached a "groundbreaking agreement" with the GPMU called "Partnership for Change".


The firm said this would involve training at all levels, a modernised pay structure, introduction of "lean manufacturing techniques", and flexible manning.


"The agreement won overwhelming support from our employees in a secret ballot," said managing director Chris Smith.


"We believe the company will set world class standards, unmatched in depth and breadth," he added.


Story by Gordon Carson