By Sarah Lagan
Westcountry Publications is considering closing its Exeter print
centre, which prints the Express & Echo, putting up to 70 jobs at
risk.
The company, part of Northcliffe, said the proposal follows the
Daily Mail’s decision to stop being printed at the site; part of a
rationalisation process around the country. The Express & Echo’s
print operation could move to Plymouth, about an hour’s drive away,
meaning print times could be brought forward for journalists on the
paper. At present the first edition of the Echo goes to print at 9.30am.
Regional
managing director Duncan Currall said: “The Plymouth presses had a
major upgrade and they are now more modern, fast and have better
colour, while Exeter’s is slow and becoming less viable financially. If
it goes ahead, it’s good news for the title.”
A 30-day consultation process is underway.
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