News UK staff and their families were given the opportunity to explore Broxbourne Newsprinters at the first-ever open day at the world’s largest printing plant.

On Sunday 28 June, from 1pm to 5pm, News UK threw open the gates of their Waltham Cross site for tours of the printing presses, an archive exhibition on the history of print and activities including go-karting, a barbecue, games and live music.

A special team of students from News Academy reported live from the event. The students, aged 16-23, saw their work published in the News UK staff newspaper, We’re News, which was printed live on the presses at Broxbourne during the afternoon. Broxbourne covers 40 acres, the size of 23 Wembley football pitches, and prints and distributes more than 22m newspapers every week. As well as News UK titles, many of the other UK national newspapers are printed at Broxborne, including The Telegraph, The Evening Standard and a number of independent publishers and regional newspaper groups.

Mike Darcey, CEO of News UK, said:

“News UK is committed to investing in the sustainable future of world class professional journalism. The impressive purpose-built printing site at Broxbourne is just part of our highly effective and cost-efficient print, logistics, technology and operations service across the UK.”

Steve Whitehead, Newsprinters Group Operations Director, said:

“Our Broxbourne plant is the world’s largest and most technologically advanced newspaper printing facility. Since it was built in 2008, we have printed a phenomenal nine billion newspapers. This unequalled achievement is made possible by a special team of skilled, dedicated staff and we are delighted to be opening the doors of the plant to friends and family for one special afternoon.”

Duncan White, Director of News Academy, said:

“This offered an invaluable real-life experience of the world of journalism. Working under a tight deadline, sourcing stories, shaping headlines and crafting content - it doesn't get much better for an aspiring writer looking to make their way in a competitive industry. I'm delighted the News Academy can support talented young people in this way.”

For media enquiries, please contact:

Caitlin McNamara, News UK Corporate Affairs, on 07917 241 997