Prince Edward opens £9.5m press

Facilities at the Cambridge complex of newspaper printer Iliffe Print, part of Cambridge News, have been boosted by a new £9.5 million printing press.

His Royal Highness Prince Edward came to Milton to perform the official opening ceremony.

He was given a tour of the production plant and saw the presses rolling, after hitting the button to print a special edition of the Cambridge News featuring his visit.

The Earl of Wessex was welcomed by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Hugh Duberly, and met by Lord Iliffe, Chairman of the Yattendon Investment Trust.

The press has been running since December 5 2008, but the Prince kindly agreed to mark its installation officially by unveiling a plaque in the press building reception area.

The visit makes it a Royal hat-trick for the Cambridge print complex. Prince Edward's brother, Prince Andrew, opened a press extension in July 2004, and prior to that, in 1996, Prince Charles performed the official inauguration of the publishing and administration building at Milton.

Graham Ayres, managing director of Cambridge Newspapers, said: "I am delighted that His Royal Highness has been able to commemorate the opening of our new printing press.

"The press represents a significant investment in our business. It also brings the latest newspaper print technology to Cambridge, benefiting readers, advertisers and contract print customers.”