The Aylesford, Kent-based business will take delivery of the large-format sheetfed offset press in early 2023.

Capable of handling sheet formats up to 1,060x1,450mm, the new generation model includes numerous upgrades to automation features and the capability to handle a wider range of substrates, as well as offering the same performance as the latest medium-format presses, but for twice the print format.

Offset Print & Packaging managing director of operations Vince Brearey told Printweek the investment is in the “multimillion-pound” bracket.

“We’re growing year-on-year so this is part of our strategic investment plan to keep on growing to meet customer demand,” he said.

“We’ve got a long history with Koenig & Bauer, for print machines, cut and crease machines and gluing machines; Koenig & Bauer are a key strategic partner.”

The plan is for the company’s existing Rapida 142 to initially run alongside the new 145, although the older press may be taken out at a later stage.

“We’re growing and growing, we’ve got so much work on so we needed to buy a faster machine to help meet demand. We’re looking at employing more people, and we’re always investing to keep ahead of the game and to be a shepherd, not a sheep,” said Brearey.

Koenig & Bauer UK director of sales Chris Scully told Printweek: “Offset are a longstanding customer of Koenig & Bauer and from our point of view it shows that the level of investment from independent packaging companies is still on the up, and the likes of Offset are definitely in the Premiership.

“And it’s such a progressive configuration that they’re looking at. With what they’re trying to do, and the products that they are going to be able to offer, they really are raising the bar.”

Scully said the press would have “six printing units, then a coating unit, two drying units, another print unit, then [another] coating unit”.

Two years ago, Offset Print & Packaging bought an Ipress 144 K large-format cut and crease machine from Koenig and Bauer Iberica and an Omega Allpro 145 folder-gluer from Koenig & Bauer Duran, the latter purchased via Friedheim International.

Offset Print & Packaging employs 100 staff at its circa-10,700sqm site and achieved a turnover of £15.5m last year. It serves clients in home entertainment, food, and beauty sectors, among others.