Fulmar has revealed a major expansion drive with the acquisition of 7m turnover Quadracolor and the 3.7m purchase of two 12-colour Speedmasters for Fulmar Colour.

The moves were announced today (1 February).

Fulmar will pay up to 3m for Quadracolor and Quadracolor Graphics, which together made a pre-tax profit after exceptionals of 274,000 in the year to 31 October 2001. The Sydenham firms owners, Edward Connolly and John Grima, are remaining with the company.

The firms clients include Shell, Hodder Headline, Penguin Books, LOreal, Bupa and Honda. Its plant includes six multi-colour Heidelberg Speedmasters and comprehensive pre-press and finishing facilities.

Fulmars purchase of two 12-colours will see the company catapulted into the forefront of the UKs long perfector users. Maurice Payne in Theale became the first printer in the world to own two 12-colours last year.

The new presses will significantly improve productivity and replace six- and four-colour machines at Fulmar Colours Croydon plant which will be redeployed elsewhere within the group. The first will be installed in July, with the second arriving at the beginning of 2003.

The 40.5m turnover groups reshaping also includes the relocation of loss-making subsidiary WE Baxter from Lewes on the south coast to a site in Mitcham. The workforce will also be halved to 35 as a result, and Baxters 2,600 square metre freehold high street premises will be sold.