Bristol-based TL Visuals has installed a 12-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster 102-12P perfecting press, in a bid to break into the five-back-five commercial arena.

The 2m press is the latest acquisition for the 60-employee company, which has already added a Heidelberg CD 102-6L six-colour along with an ST300 saddlestitcher to its plant list this year.

TL Visuals marketing director Julian Cusens said the company opted for the 12-colour to drive it forward with the cutting edge of technology. The press also has Heidelbergs latest network production software, Prinect, to help ensure process reliability.

"Its the way we see the market going, and we wanted to be at the forefront of the industry. Plus if you look at the few companies that have one, theyre all doing very well," said Cusens.

He added that Prinect would give the business greater control from pre-press to post-press and help it to precisely target and manage individual customer requirements.

TL Visuals, which operates a 24-hour shift pattern, has a number of national blue-chip clients, but also produces the football programmes for both Bristol teams.

Story by John Davies