BLACKBURNS of Bolton has strengthened the management team with the appointment of Dave Jones to the new position of Computer Systems Manager.

Mr Jones, who recently ran his own business, has expertise relating to the emerging e-commerce environment.

Blackburns of Bolton, which is based in Shifnall Street, has invested heavily in new printing presses over the last few years.

The company is now upgrading its administrative and design capability.

Improvements to internal systems and customer service include the addition of intranet, e-mail and web browsing.

"Gone are the days of wandering around carrying papers or floppy disks," said Mr Jones, who has worked closely with JM Computing on the installation.

Blackburns is also re-designing and expanding its web page to include greater e-commerce possibilities.

In particular it will provide a direct on-line ordering system for the specialised Print Management service used by their larger, multi-branch clients.

Managing Director Zenon Moklak said: "Production lead times are being greatly reduced with more pronounced demands being placed on us for receiving data and graphics direct electronically and the sending of colour proofs by e-mail.

"I am pleased that we have been able to secure Dave's services just as all these developments are coming to the fore."