'Print Run' Increases As GPS Expands

Northern Ireland's second biggest commercial litho printing company, east Belfast based GPS Colour Graphics Ltd, has announced an investment of more than £2.25m, which will allow it to increase capacity by more than 50%.

Its latest state-of-the-art printing technology, was launched at a reception this week by Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, pictured here with Derek Bell owner of the firm.

As part of its strategic business plan over the past six months, GPS has installed a new eight-colour perfector printing press, which can print both sides of a sheet in one pass.

This, combined with the installation in 2008 of a ten-colour perfector, secures the company’s position as one of the most technologically advanced print operations in the UK.

Ian McCurry, Managing Director of GPS Colour Graphics said: "At a time when many businesses were consolidating and reducing their expenditure, we were investing heavily in our business with a strategic three-year business plan.

"The first phase involved the installation of the first press in 2008, allowed us to move into new markets, resulted in faster turnarounds and work with higher volumes, while the second machine will help us capitalise on this position and brings our overall investment during the past three years to more than £4.15m.

"In 2009 Invest NI offered the company £333,625, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, towards this significant investment," he said.

"Both machines are completely compatible which means we can use them in tandem to print different sections of the same job or even print the same job on both presses. Both presses are ideal for the efficient production of magazines, books, prospectuses and leaflets.

"2010 represented our best year ever and we have continued to invest in every department within the business.

"To date we have noticed an increase of 21.6% in our turnover since the start of the investment in July 2008.

"During this time we have also increased our employees by almost 30%, bringing the total number employed at the factory to 55.

"We also hope that as this new machine comes on line, a further eight positions will be created over the next two years," he explained.

Sammy Wilson said: "It is very encouraging to see a local business making a significant investment in technology to position the company at the forefront of the industry.

"I commend GPS on their recent investment, their continuing commitment to developing the business and to supporting jobs in the local area against the backdrop of a very challenging and volatile economic environment."

(BMcC/KMcA)