A contract with Xerox has been signed to update the digital presses across the £6m-turnover company, which operates franchise sites at Stockton-on-Tees, Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and Redcar.

Alphagraphics North-East managing director Sean Costigan said: “The investment and restructure is set to make a huge impact on our business and on our clients. We have installed new Xerox kit throughout our businesses and also the latest iGen3 technology, which was installed in June, is at the main hub in Stockton.

“Not only will we be able to cut down our turnaround times and work more efficiently across the group, but we have the technology and expertise to provide even more innovative and effective marketing solutions for our customers.”
An additional four-colour, B2 litho press will be installed within the coming months at Stockton-on-Tees. Costigan added that the firm would also be ramping up pre-press and bindery.

Staffing and operations at all the sites will be reviewed. However, all 85 staff at Alphagraphics North-East have been offered jobs. Costigan said: “One or two have left for other jobs, but we are currently recruiting for around seven staff.”

The company, which incorporates five Alphagraphics franchises, operates in the litho, digital colour, large-format display printing and direct mail markets.