The UK operation has installed a 10-colour perfector and new CTP system from Screen as the first stage in its showroom revamp.

"Printers want the ability to see complete workflows demonstrated," said Komori UK chief executive Martin Rickards. "From origination to job management to final output."

The new long perfector, a Lithrone 1028P, will be joined by a six-colour LS640 with coater in the new year, with others set to follow. The 1028P will be linked with Screen's flagship PlateRite 8800 and an MIS to create a totally integrated CIP4 working environment.

"When you demonstrate a press today, you have to be able to show how you handle digital data for a job in order to set the press parameters as effectively as possible," said Rickards.

"The technology from the two companies complement each other perfectly," added Screen UK managing director Brian Filler.

Komori has also released its worldwide half-year results, which the firm describes as "upbeat".

Sales are up 15% on the same period last year to 279m (53.608bn) and net profit has leapt 73% from 9.3m to 16.1m.

In response to the strong first-half figures the firm has increased its sales projections for the full year to 583m, compared with 538m in 2003.

The situation in the UK is equally rosy. "Having had the opportunity to showcase our latest technology at Drupa 2004, we are experiencing strong sales," said Rickards. "We've been particularly delighted with the success of our new LS640 series."

The firm also used the opportunity to announce that the next phase of its new 185,000m2 factory at Tsukuba, Japan, had also begun.

Story by Darryl Danielli