The order for 20 Polaris XVS Violet Platesetters will be spread over three sites. Twelve Polaris will be installed in the new News International plant at Broxbourne, five at Knowsley and three in Glasgow. The agreement also includes the supply of plates, a complete digital workflow based on Agfa Arkitex software, as well as on-site maintenance and service support.

Commenting on the order, GS Director, Laurence Roberts said, "The contract will be worth in excess of £50 Million spread over the next ten years. As the company's biggest Newspaper order for Agfa CtP systems this year, and the UK's biggest ever single order, this is great news for not just the UK but the whole company."

"Recent developments of various software applications have also called for the Group to upgrade to the most up-to-date version of :ApogeeX workflow solution. In fact, :ApogeeX 2.5 incorporates functionality to protect against 'future proofing' or 'version creep' of complimentary software applications," he added.

"This is yet another strong endorsement from one of the UK's leading commercial print groups that Agfa really is leading the way in workflow technology," said Laurence Roberts, Director, Agfa Graphic Systems UK.