As of 1 April, managing director Jim Thomson set in motion his succession plan for the Edinburgh-based business by appointing his sons Barry and Michael Thomson to the roles of sales and production director respectively. The move is to allow Jim Thomson and commercial director Veronica Thomson to gradually step away.

Following Michael Thomson’s appointment to the production role, he is preparing to welcome the new Speedmaster, which is set to arrive in June. The B3 five-colour with coater machine will replace a previous Speedmaster that is set to be sold to a company overseas.

“All our front-end in both digital and litho is linked through Heidelberg’s Prinect system so we are a Heidelberg house,” said Jim Thomson. “The new Speedmaster will give us more space in the factory as it does not have the delivery of its predecessor due to having greater drying power in its new lamps.

“I have been starting the process of stepping back from the business in the last six to nine months and will now continue to do so as Barry and Michael develop their own management styles. I have worked for PLCs all my life and I always knew I wanted my sons to rise through the ranks and take over my business.

“Barry has always been very good at interacting with clients, while Michael’s journey up the ladder was aided by his technical skills. I think going forward they will be taking a look at the packaging sector, as well as at ways to make the business an efficient one-stop shop.”

Barry and Michael Thomson have worked for their father’s company for nine and eight years respectively and will now help to oversee a team of 14 staff.

Thomson Print & Packaging runs a selection of Heidelberg kit which is rounded out by a Speedmaster XL 75 in litho and a Versafire CV for digital jobs. Its finishing department comprises an Auto Creaser Pro and Auto Folder Pro from Morgana, a Horizon SPC 4055 rotary cutter and a Polar 78 ED guillotine.

The firm turns over £1.75m operating out of 696sqm premises.