The press, which was bought from distributor Apex Digital Graphics, was installed at the Newcastle-upon-Tyne firm’s premises in June.

The four-colour digital press can print at up to 85 A4ppm and can handle stock thicknesses from 55gsm to 350gsm.

The company looked at a variety of digital machines on the market but opted for the Konica press because of its consistent results and the firm’s long-standing relationship with Apex.

“We have purchased pre-press and printing equipment from Apex in the past and I know that they are a reliable company to deal with,” said Shiremoor managing director Keith Whisson.

“The after-sales service is first class. If they say a product will do something, they make sure that it does.”

Whisson added that everything has fallen into place so far with the firm’s new digital venture.

“We were seeking a reliable, skilled digital operator, and a guy, Damian Baker, who had previously worked as a lead demonstrator for a digital equipment supplier in New Zealand turned up. He is excellent and is already making the kit sing.”

The company has also recruited Ian Gordon, a former digital operations director with Tangent in the North East.

“Ian has a long history of managing high-quality, highly productive digital print operations. His knowledge and skills will be an invaluable asset to us as we seek to grow this side of the business,” said Whisson.

Digital work has already started to arrive in significant qualities.

“Enquiries for digital print are taking off really well, which is ideal of course. Both existing customers and new clients seeking fast turnarounds are impressed by the quality of the output,” said Whisson.

The business will focus its efforts on a variety of trade work, POS and retail-focused print. It has already produced a small quantity of variable data to date, though it envisages that this will expand.

“We are not on the hunt for the small orders though. We are actively seeking orders where we can provide a full-service solution to clients,” said Whisson.

The company has calibrated the Konica Minolta digital engine to produce colour to the same ISO-based standards as its five-colour Ryobi 750 series B2 litho press and proofing system to ensure consistent colour across the board.

Shiremoor Press, which was established in 1969, prints a wide range of commercial items, including marketing materials and short-run packaging, for customers across the UK.