Presses

Ashford Colour Press has broken into the large-format marketplace after taking delivery of a KBA Rapida 142 B0 perfecting press.

The investment, which is part of a £2m spend by the colour book printer, marks Ashford's first installation of a KBA press.

Allan Gray, production director at the £11.6m turnover company, said the new press would give Ashford "greater potential for growth in the longer term".

He added: "When we considered the KBA a couple of years ago, we decided it was too slow for the company’s requirements.

"When we began looking again the Rapida had come on in leaps and bounds with the speed up to 12,000sph."

Gosport-based Ashford’s four-colour perfector, which replaces a 44-inch Komori machine, will carry out work for a client base that includes educational, video game and financial sector accounts.

The move into the B0 arena will give the 132-staff printer "improved productivity, quicker makereadies and advanced quality controls", according to the company.

Ashford’s 142 was configured with KBA’s DensiTronic combined density and colour measurement, which Gray said offers high productivity and "peace of mind".

Gray added: "DensiTronic ensures our work matches our customers’ expectations."