Technology opens door to new work at Theakston Print

Feb 3 2009 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

A TEESSIDE printing company is beating the recession and fighting the credit crunch with new technology thanks to an £80,000 investment from Corus-subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise.

Michael Theakston has run Redcar-based Theakston Print since 2006 and employs six people.

The company now expects to double its workforce in the next 12 months and break the £1m turnover barrier by 2010.

“Trading conditions are undoubtedly tough at the moment,” Mr Theakston explained.

“But I realised that one of our unused printing presses, a two-colour machine, can be converted relatively easily to print sophisticated UV coated products.”

The technology uses special ultra-violet lamps to dry ink instantly and produces a high-quality, glossy, scuff-resistant finish at low cost.

It will enable the company to print a much wider range of materials and expand further into the lucrative market for packaging materials.

“Approximately 85% of our current products are for the retail sector, including large format in-store posters, point-of-sale and litho laminated materials, as well as a whole range of digital prints and posters,” said Mr Theakston.

“This new technology allows us to diversify and opens up a brand new business area.

“Converting an existing machine means we will be able to keep our costs down on the new product range and offer great value to our customers.”

The investment from UK Steel Enterprise has allowed the company to place an order for the high-tech lamps to be specially made in Germany to exact specifications.

The new technology will be installed in the firm’s 20,500sq ft factory this month.

“We’ve known Michael for a number of years and he has always impressed us with his ambition and determination,” explained UKSE Regional Executive Nick Johnson.

“He worked for a local printer for 16 years and when that company went into liquidation he bought the assets, saved six people’s jobs, rebranded the company and turned a failing business into one making a profit within a year.

“UK Steel Enterprise has supported business growth and job creation in steel areas for more than three decades now and, despite the current economic situation, we have just had our busiest year ever for investment.

“It is especially pleasing that this investment will lead to a number of new jobs, including one for an apprentice once the new technology is installed.”