The Northumberland firm has installed web portal Synapse Insite, Prinergy PowerPack workflow and a ThermoFlex flexo platesetter.

Its 300,000 investment in the equipment was with Litho Supplies, which has a deal with Creo to sell its flexo products in the UK.

Integrating Insite and Prinergy with the Shuttleworth MIS it bought at the end of last year was an essential part of the firms business plan.

The JDF and NGP tie-up between Creo and Shuttleworth was key, said joint managing director Andrew Hewitson. Powerpack can talk directly to Shuttleworth, which ties everything together. We need transparency with our clients, Shuttleworth allows us to do that. Were building it all up so all elements work together as a complete management package for our blue-chip clients.

Moving to CTP allowed the firm to adopt new screening techniques to improve image quality. It is currently testing Creos MaxTone, HyperFlex and DigiCap tools with printers producing cartons, shrink wrap, film and labels. Using MaxTone and HyperFlex enabled it to produce plates that can hold lower tints.

We can now drop down to 0%, traditionally the smallest dot was 8%, said Hewitson. Its ground breaking in flexo.

In addition to driving the ThermoFlex Prinergy Powerpack drives the firms HP Indigo ws2000, which is used for short runs and proofing.

Hewitson said once the firm had completely got to grips with the equipment and integrated it with the MIS it was looking to roll out remote platemaking and digital print sites for its clients.

Were trying to prove the concept works internally before we roll it out, he said. Thats when it gets really exciting.

Story by Barney Cox