A PRINTING company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Hexham has been home to several printing companies through the years, with one of the first operators to be recorded as William Ord in 1781.

Hexham Courant: The land where Robson Print was builtThe land where Robson Print was built (Image: Robson Print)

Peter Robson launched Robson Print in temporary premises in a former lemonade factory in Broadgates 50 years ago. He started negotiations with Northumberland County Council for suitable land on which to build a printing factory.

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Hexham Courant: Construction of Robson PrintConstruction of Robson Print (Image: Robson Print)

The site was on the future Haugh Lane Industrial Estate, where the factory remains now.

Hexham Courant: The foundations of Robson PrintThe foundations of Robson Print (Image: Robson Print)

The business was sold in 1988 to Brian Carr and then again in 2000 to David Lloyd.

Hexham Courant: Robson Print under constructionRobson Print under construction (Image: Robson Print)

The current owners Andrew Beckett, Neil McKie and Lee Rouse took over the business in 2008 and in 2014 Abbey Press moved from their bus station site to become part of Robson Print.

Hexham Courant: Building the business at Haugh LaneBuilding the business at Haugh Lane (Image: Robson Print)

Over the years, Haugh Lane Industrial Estate has grown into a multi-purpose trading estate and Robson Print Limited has also developed, keeping pace with the fast-moving progression of print technology.

Hexham Courant: Robson Print once it was builtRobson Print once it was built (Image: Robson Print)

The current directors have invested significantly in the building, machinery and staff, providing digital, litho and intaglio print allied to a range of finishing processes which are all in-house.

Hexham Courant: Printing machines at Robson PrintPrinting machines at Robson Print (Image: Robson Print)

The businesses' core values remain the same as the ideals Peter had 50 years ago, which are to provide quality printed material and exceptional customer service and employment for a local workforce.

Hexham Courant: Construction at the siteConstruction at the site (Image: Robson Print)

Robson Print are delighted to look after so many of Hexham’s businesses both large and small, and is always on hand to provide ideas and explore new materials and processes to produce the highest quality relevant printed material.