Two regional dailies look set to be printed outside their patch for the first time after plans to close a print plant with the loss of up to 46 jobs were announced.

Publisher DC Thomson has started a consultation with production staff in Aberdeen over plans to close the print plant in the city and transfer the work to its facility in Dundee, which is undergoing a £25m refurbishment.

The Press and Journal has been printed in the city since 1747 and other titles affected are the Aberdeen Evening Express, Aberdeen Citizen and ScotAds.

Announcing the proposals, DC Thomson said that its editorial and commercial teams would continue to be based in the city but up to 46 jobs at the printing operation in Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, were at risk of redundancy.

A statement from the publisher said: “These proposed changes are necessary in the current market to ensure a strong future for our newspapers. We intend to work with our staff members to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual during this period.

“After a thorough investigation of all possible avenues to maintain an economically viable and sustainable printing plant in Aberdeen for the long term, we are actively exploring the option of printing all of our newspaper titles in Dundee.

“This would mean that The Press and Journal, Evening Express, Aberdeen Citizen and ScotAds would no longer be printed in Aberdeen and would be transported and distributed directly from a single print centre in Dundee.

“The company will always have a base in Aberdeen for our editorial and commercial teams. We are firmly committed to providing local news to local communities and we will continue to be located in the communities we serve.

“The company’s proposals are required, not only to stay competitive, but also to create new opportunities for the business and improve services for our customers.”

The refurbishment of the Dundee print plant at Kingsway will cost more than £25m and includes the installation of a more cost-effective press model, which the company hopes will deliver enhanced performance features.