A DESIGN and print company in County Durham has invested £2m in technology and doubled its workforce and turnover.

During the past four years, Hillprint Media, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has increased the number of employees from 24 to 52, and seen turnover rise from £2m to £4m.

The commercial printer hopes that the installation of IT software, which allows customers to proof and approve designs online, will further expand the business to an annual turnover of £5.5m.

Hillprint managing director Richard Mortimer said: "Before we developed the new system, we would have account managers rushing around with designs and artwork trying to get paper proofs approved.

"Now, our customers will be able to look on their own computers and see every detail of their order - from the moment we generate a quotation to the final design before it goes to press."

The company has several printing presses at Heighington Lane Business Park, including one capable of producing a million sheets of full-colour, double-sided A4 in 24 hours.

Business Link in County Durham helped Hillprint to find IT consultants and funding for staff training and helped the company with grant applications.