UK-based media group Newsquest's Oxford print site is to be a pilot for others earmarked for QIPC's automated register and control systems.

A QIPC customer for many years - with the systems at all its plants - Newsquest will install mRC-3D technology for cut-off control and an IDS-3D system for colour and register control on its manroland Geoman press. A total of 16 mRC-3D cameras and 6 IDS-3D cameras will be installed.

Group production director Leighton Jones says the technology will reduce start-up waste and the use of ink: "Moreover, we now have a faster and more accurate colour registration system with an optimum ink-water balance."

He says Newsquest is constantly looking at ways of improving processes and minimising waste. "What's more, our advertisers expect us to continue delivering the same levels of quality as they are used to from us."

QIPC sales executive Mathijs Baron says the major British media concern is ensuring they remain market leader in the region: "Our customers there are happy and it means we get taken seriously by other printing plants."

Newsquest is now expected to place the next order placed by a UK company, with QIPC automation upgrades under consideration for other plants.

"We're keen to extend our collaboration with QIPC," says Jones. "Our aim is to keep optimising our processes and work as efficiently as possible."