Goodhead has signed up for a 64pp MAN Roland Lithoman 1V web as part of a 9m spend for Benhams in Colchester.


We are limited to coldset colour there, said group managing director John Cooling. We wanted to expand our colour facilities.


The press should be installed by next July, according to Cooling, who added that Goodhead plumped for a MAN Roland press because it was happy with the contract.


KBA and Heidelberg have got 64pp commercial heatset webs on the marketplace but MAN Roland has got about 14 installations. You have got to take the record of this machine operating in the market.


The press forms only one part of the programme, he added. The 9m spend also looks like adding to Benhams pre- and post-press kit, although Cooling was unable to reveal further details until contracts were signed.


The Lithoman will be housed in Benhams existing factory. The firm, which was bought by Goodhead in April 1997, specialises in printing catalogues, directories and periodicals.


Story by Gordon Carson