A FIRM is set to unveil a first as part of a £1.5 million investment that will bring new jobs to the area.

Printoff Graphic Arts has invested in a new eight colour digital printing press -- the first of its kind to be installed in the UK. And the firm said the investment, which will speed up printing times, would lead to a number of new jobs.

"We are committed to maintaining a high level of investment to meet the ever-increasing demand for design and print work," said boss Mr Allan Buck, a former Pendle councillor.

"With our new eight-colour press we will continue to grow. The new press is also opening up new markets for Printoff and we are expanding our sales and production teams to service these."

The firm has taken on extra sales staff and is looking to recruit workers to handle the finished printed product.

The Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Edwina Sergeant, will unveil the eight-colour press at Printoff Graphic Arts, Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, on April 13. Phil Burgess, chief executive of Business Link East Lancs will then switch on the press. The firm moved to Lomeshaye three years ago from other premises in Nelson and has already had to extend the new factory to meet increasing demand and provide space for the new state-of-the-art press. It employs 40 staff.

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