Norwalk, Conn. 2/21/01 -Eastern Counties Newspapers Group (ECNG) has signed a contract worth nearly three-quarters of a million pounds with Kodak Polychrome Graphics which commits the company to phase one of a complete transition to thermal computer-to-plate (CtP) operation. This will be the first thermal imaged newspaper CtP operation in the UK, utilising the Kodak Polychrome Graphics Newsetter System. Based in Norwich, ECNG is an independent and growing media group, publishing and printing magazines and newspapers from Scotland to the West Country. The business employs around 2,300 people and the Newspaper Division is in the top ten of UK regional newspaper publishers. "Following extensive research and evaluation, we identified the Kodak Polychrome Graphics Newsetter System as a clear winner," explained Peter Dodds, Managing Director of Printing at ECNG. ‘Although as yet not widely used in newspaper production, thermal is a proven technology and widely used in the commercial printing sector.‘ "The key drivers of our newspaper business are time, quality, cost and continuous improvement." continued Peter Dodds, "Any major capital investment programme must deliver on all four counts. Thermal plate imaging provides for precise and consistent dot reproduction and fast plate clean up. This will benefit our customers through later deadlines and improved colour quality."