A PRINTING plant is to benefit from a share of a £100million investment programme.

The St Ives site in Blackburn, which prints sleeves for CDs, is one of several in the group to benefit from the huge investment in new technology.

The announcement came as St Ives reported full year profits well ahead of City forecasts.

Boosted by a strong performance in its UK business, St Ives posted pre-tax profits for the year to July 30 of £60.1million, up from £51.1million last year.

City forecasters had expected a rise to around £56million. Turnover was up at £452million from £368million.

Chairman Miles Emley said: "This excellent result is mainly due to the improved performance of our UK business.

"The immediate outlook remains positive and we look forward to a successful outcome to the new financial year with confidence."

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