Print investment set to create new jobs
A TEESSIDE-BASED printing company has announced a £4m investment programme.
AlphaGraphics North-East - which is based on Preston Farm Industrial Estate, Stockton - said it is undertaking a major restructure and investment campaign which will see new jobs created and new state-of-the-art equipment added to its facilities.
The company, which also has sites at Redcar, Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle, said it was making improvements to its main production hub at Stockton.
It is also reviewing equipment, staffing and operations at its other sites.
Sean Costigan, managing director, said investment was being made in new state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
He said the company was currently recruiting about seven additional staff, adding to its North-east workforce of 86.
“In the next two years we hope to recruit about another 20 staff,” he said.
He said the new investment should add £3m-£4m to its turnover - which currently stands at £6m - in the next year.
“It’s a major investment in new, faster, more modern technical equipment,” he explained.
“While day to day work will still be handled at each of our sites in the region, the larger jobs will now all be handled at our Stockton site.
“This investment and restructure is set to make a huge impact on our business and on our clients.
“Not only will we be able to cut down our turnaround times and work more efficiently across the group, but we will have the technology and expertise to provide even more innovative and effective marketing solutions for our customers.”
The investment will also mean the Stockton site will be able to operate round the clock.
“We’ll be running a full double day shift, plus a night shift,” he added.
The business has been in Stockton since 2001.
Last year it doubled the size of its base - from 11,500sq ft to 21,500sq ft.
The new technology includes digital printing technology, creative software and an expansion of its litho printing facilities.
“Some of the new pieces of equipment have already started to arrive,” added Mr Costigan. “The rest will be here before Christmas.”
He added: “We’ve been planning this development for 12 months, so we’re hoping it will make a major impact on the business.”
The North-east team is part of the AlphaGraphics franchise network of almost 300 locations worldwide.
Its services include design, digital printing, personalised marketing, mailing services and digital archiving.
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