Apple Litho in Bristol has completed its 500,000 investment in new equipment with a complete Prinergy PDF workflow, Topsetter CTP system and digital proofing from Heidelberg.


Sales have risen by 50% in the past 18 months and the company hopes that turnover will reach 2m by December.


The new kit which also includes a Stahl folder will enable it to produce jobs in-house, right through to the final stages. Sales director Murray Thomson said the investment was largely prompted by the cost of using outside suppliers.


"We were seeing several thousand pounds a month go out of the door. That money can now be channelled back into the business," he said.


The company, which employs 18 staff, also has an Accura MIS and Heidelberg 74-2-PH perfector, which works 12-hour shifts alongside a five-colour Heidelberg 72. Clients include Bristol University and insurance firm Helphire.


With the mortgage on Apples premises paid off, the next year is all about building up profits.


"Were in an enviable position: we have made enough investment to tide us through the next 18 months, and then we will re-evaluate the situation," said Thomson, adding that the company would be looking to move to larger premises in due course.


Story by Fay Schopen