The company was taken over by mailing house Mailtech in November 2000. Its 150m2 factory has now added an extra 100m2 for its small to medium size print runs on products including stationery and leaflets.

We needed additional space to cope with growing demand and bigger and more complex print runs, said The City Ruling Company customer services manager John Scotney.

The companys kit includes a Ryobi 522 three-colour press with electronic registration and there are plans to invest in colour digital technology.

Mailtech director Andrew Whittaker added: We believe there is still long term life in litho, and digital equipment would compliment the existing presses. When we took over, there was a fear of technology but we have reinvested and ensured that the litho equipment was up to speed.

Prior to Mailtechs takeover, The City Ruling Companys turnover was under 100,000. Whittaker said that in the next 18 months he hoped it would increase to around 500,000.

The City Ruling Company has five employees.

Story by Philip Chadwick