London - May 04, 2005 -- Sun Chemical is enhancing its UK and European position as a major supplier of Publication Gravure inks with a significant investment in a new manufacturing facility at Rochdale, Lancashire. The new facility will see the phased relocation of Publication Gravure ink production from Watford to Rochdale during the early part of 2006. On completion, the new operation will substantially increase Sun Chemical's gravure manufacturing capacity ensuring it can meet the future demands of the market. Back in 2003, Sun Chemical gave an early indication to its staff, unions, customers and suppliers that the Watford site would close.. The new Rochdale site is strategically situated to service Sun Chemical's existing customer operations as well as the Polestar operation at Sheffield and the planned Avarto development in Merseyside. Rochdale is already a key production centre for the manufacture of solvent based and water based flexographic inks for the European packaging industry. The site also houses a new laboratory facility, incorporating an advanced R&D operation , which was built in 2000 to support both businesses. Demolition of old warehouse buildings on the site began before Christmas to create the required space needed for the new gravure facility. The design will incorporate designated manufacturing and raw material storage and a tank farm for the storage of finished inks and intermediates. Cutting edge technology is being installed in conjunction with state of the art process controls to drive dedicated lines for colour, varnish and extenders. In addition, senior technical personnel will be relocating to Rochdale to guarantee customers continuity of quality and product consistency, which has been a trademark of the Sun Chemical brand. Charles Murray, Sun Chemical Europe's Corporate Vice President & Group Managing Director in charge of the UK, says: "This investment is fundamental in ensuring Sun Chemical is aligned with the future growth of the Publication Gravure business. The new operation at Rochdale will re-enforce our commitment and leadership in this sector and cater for the growing re-emergence of Publication Gravure as a high quality commercial printing process for the future."