The Konica Minolta C7000 system supplied by Apex Digital Graphics is the company's second digital device from the supplier and is a new addition to a line up including two Ryobi 784 offset presses, a Screen PlateRite 4300S CTP system and an Epson Pro 9880 proofing machine.

Printed Solutions director Richard Lewis said the C7000 created “extraordinary” colour and monochrome images at up to 70ppm. 

“We had been looking at Xerox machines but have had a good existing working relationship with Apex and the KM was right for us,” he said of the machine, which cost around £50,000. “The investment was more about adding capacity and efficiency than pushing us into new areas of work.”

The kit will be used to produce short-run stationery and brochures and personalised material such as postcards. The 16-staff company in High Wycombe has a turnover of £2.6m and recently installed a £35,000 Horizon A4 landscape booklet maker supplied by IFS. It has also invested around £17,000 in a Tharstern MIS.

“Colour management of these digital devices is the key to incorporating them into a sophisticated production workflow,” said Lewis. “The quality of the Konica Minolta C7000 is very good and we are pleased with its performance.”

Apex sales and marketing director Neil Handforth said: “All printers need to understand that digital is fast becoming an essential part of the production process. It can be critical for the profitable production of short run work but it also has a role to play in personalisation.”