Sales have risen from 18m to around 28m, with increased take-up of presses across its product range, from B3 up to its giant Rapida 205.

The firm has cited the introduction of new presses and the no-sidelay concept at Drupa 2004 as the main reasons for the boost.

Augustus Martin, Capital Print & Display and Odessa Offset have all installed the Rapida 205, which is priced from around 3m.

ewcastle-based NSL also plans to install a 205 in early 2006.
"We have really benefited from Drupa," said KBA UK managing director Christian Knapp. "That has brought us to a critical mass."

KBA will unveil its B2 Performa range at Ipex 2006. Knapp believes this will bring the firm to an audience other than buyers of B1 presses.

"We are now at full strength as far as the sales team and service department is concerned," said executive sales director Mark Nixon.