UK printers are set to lose out to the Continent
as Thomson Directories enters the final negotiating stages for the contract to produce Thomson Local Directory.


The announcement follows a tender process involving several UK print companies that will see Italian-based ILTE and Swedish-based Elanders print 22m copies of the Thomson Local for distribution in the UK for three years from 2002.


Thomson Directories manufacturing manager, Mac Rogers, said it was very likely the two companies had secured the
contract. He added that a 50/50 split based on overall tonnage would be made across the two sites.
Spanish-based EINSA previously held the print contract for Thomson Local, and will continue to do work for the company until the end of its deal.


Rogers said that although they viewed the whole of Europe as the marketplace, cost and quality had been important considerations in awarding the contract.


Story by Andy Scott