"It's a real feather in the cap for us that Japan thinks we're worth spending that kind of money on," said UK operations director Mark Jennings.

The move follows a record-breaking year for the firm, with the installation of 28 presses. "We've enjoyed phenomenal success with our SRA2 and B2 multi-colour presses in recent times," said Jennings. "So a move to new premises is not only logical, it's essential."

The investment was only finalised at the manufacturer's board meeting in Japan at the end of last month. Jennings is now in the process of finding suitable locations and a buyer for its existing Hounslow, West London site.

"Nothing is ruled out. The search begins now but it will probably be a new building or very recently built property that we can make over," said Jennings.

The decision to move has been made partly as a response to the success of the manufacturer's latest press, the Drupa-launched OL 75 SD. With four installations/orders the firm said it "was a real shot in the arm for sales in the highly competitive B2 colour market".

Story by Darryl Danielli