Trinity Mirror is reviewing the best way to spend 100m on press technology over the next three to four years.


Head of corporate communications Nick Fullagar said it remained to be seen "whether we install brand new presses or upgrade our existing ones, or a combination of the two".


The company, which was formed when regional group Trinity merged with Mirror Group 18 months ago, operates a combination of MAN Roland and Goss presses at its plants in Birmingham, Cardiff, Coventry, Glasgow, Newcastle and Watford.


"Were keeping an open mind and looking at all manufacturers and options. Our challenge is to get the best press strategy for us in the long-term. Well have a much better idea towards the second half of the year," said Fullagar.


Goss director of marketing David Stamp said: "Were a major supplier to Trinity Mirror at the moment and weve got to work hard to make sure we continue to be regarded as a potential prime supplier."


Trinity Mirror has earmarked 65m to be spent this year for the project, which should be completed by 2004.


The companys preliminary results for 2000 showed turnover up 94% to 1.05bn, with pre-tax profits of 315.3m. Pro forma turnover was up by over 5%.


The group said that the "sharp" increase in newsprint prices had made for an "unhelpful start" to this year, but this was offset by a "significant" improvement in advertising in its national titles.


Story by John Davies