Mawers Talbot Print has opened up fresh markets after investing in new technology.

The Darlington firm has invested nearly £500,000.

A computer-aided printing press, CTP (computer to plate) processor and new Apple Macs with digital screens have enabled Mawers to make full colour printing more affordable, and has opened up the market place to allow the firm to increase its volume and shorten its delivery time for larger orders.

In real terms, the investment will mean an 80 per cent reduction in the time taken to make a plate ready for the final press, giving the company greater scope to deal with orders more efficiently.

The company, based in Whessoe Road, was established in 1979, employs a staff of 16, and recently appointed a new graphic designer to help with the increased volume of work, which is a direct result of the investment.

Mike Challands, managing director, said: "This has been a huge investment for the company and has taken us into the national and international market place with orders from as far away as the US.

"Mawers Talbot Print identified a real need for quality full colour printing at the right price, and we have achieved that with the help of this technology.

Mr Challands added: "The new equipment uses printing plates manufactured at the click of a mouse button and has revolutionised our working practices and increased our output capacity."