Nationwide Print makes digital move with Ricoh install

Nationwide Print has said it intends to "fully embrace" the potential of digital print after making its foray into the sector with the installation of a Ricoh Pro C751 press.

The St Austell, Cornwall-based business, which was shortlisted as an SME of the year at the PrintWeek Awards 2010, has brought digital work in-house with the new 75ppm machine.

Nationwide specified the C751 with an inline stapler and large capacity SRA3 trays that gives the press capacity to handle up to 6,500 sheets.

Julian Hocking, managing director at Nationwide Print said it was time to bring digital work in-house in order to help boost sales and exercise greater quality control.

He said: "The Ricoh Pro C751 matched our needs in every area. It is fully scalable in terms of finishing and software options and the quality of output is on a par with our litho equipment. It can also print on much of the same media, which was critical to our decision in opting for a Ricoh press.

"The investment now means we can offer a much faster service for our customers. Operationally, we are now more efficient and therefore more competitive as a result."

The company's Ricoh Pro C751 complements its existing Heidelberg Speedmaster presses and has been installed with a view to moving into web-to-print in the near future.

"The machine’s user-friendliness has impressed the team – it has been in full operation for just over a week and we have already run several variable data jobs through it," added Hocking.

Earlier this year in August, the company took a "massive step" towards its goal of eliminating its carbon footprint by installing a photovoltaic (PV) roof that will generate power using sunlight.

The install comprised 150 solar panels that will help save around 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, according to the company.