THE expansion of Ledbury's biggest employer, Amcor Flexibles, continues with the announcement of more jobs to come and the arrival of a massive new printing press.

The main printing drum, weighing 30 tonnes, arrived under police escort last Friday, having travelled 555 miles from Germany.

The press will print at high speed, in up to eight colours, on wrappers and bags for the food industry.

Amcor's human resources manager Helen Rogers said: "A team of German engineers is here to assist with the installation of the press. This heralds a high point in our multi-million pound investment project."

The firm recently upgraded its office block to create an open-plan first floor. Expansion plans mean 60 new employees have been taken on since January, bringing the total workforce to 345.

Mrs Rogers said Amcor was now looking to take on at least six more workers.

Amcor took over the Rexam Viking site, off Lower Road, in April 2002, and immediately announced its programme of expansion. Ledbury was chosen because the firm's earlier plant at Bristol did not offer the same opportunities for expansion.

More than 20 workers transferred to Ledbury from the Bristol operation.