BUSINESS people from across the North West gathered to see the first printing press of its kind in the UK unveiled at an expanding Pendle firm.

The digital eight-colour press, built in Germany and then shipped over in parts to its new home at Printoff Graphic Arts, Nelson, is part of a massive £1.5million boost that will bring new jobs to the area.

The Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Edwina Sergeant, unveiled the state-of-the-art press at Printoff's plant on Lomeshaye Industrial Estate in front of an audience of business leaders.

Roger Collinge, chairman of Business Link East Lancs formally switched on the press as part of the ceremony although it has already been running at full capacity for a month to meet increasing demand for Printoff's high quality work from a wide range of clients. The company was started with a £300 loan from a relative by managing director Allan Buck. The new press is part of a massive investment in the marketing and communications firm.

Printoff moved to Lomeshaye three years ago from other premises in Nelson. Part of the latest investment was an extension to the factory to provide space for the press. The company employs 40 staff but extra sales staff have been taken on following the arrival of the press and the workforce is set to expand further. "We are committed to maintaining a high level of investment to meet the ever-increasing demand for our design and print work," said Mr Buck, a former Pendle councillor.

"The new press is also opening up new markets for Printoff and we are expanding our sales and production teams to service these."

Operations director Brian Hough added: "With our new press in operation our print quality is unbeatable. We are also able to print at much higher speeds and can guarantee earlier deliveries."

Sales and marketing director Jane Schofield added: "The new press has increased our capacity and quality and we can offer a much quicker turn-round time to our customers.

"It has brought environmental benefits too. Because the press is so advanced it uses less paper and ink for set-up runs. We are operating at the top end of our market and this investment has increased our standing in the industry even further."