Bridgeshire opted for the new 3.2m-wide printer, which has a list price of £650,000, to boost production capacity at its Somercoates, Derbyshire-based print site.

According to Andrew Whittle director at 50-staff Bridgeshire Packaging, the investment in the FB7600 was a "big step" for the company, which also operates an Inca Columbia digital machine and a screen printing line.

He said: "Our objective was to improve our production efficiency and reduce turnaround times.

"Already we are asking ourselves how we managed without the FB7600. With the increased production capabilities, we are able to expand our capacity."

Bridgeshire Packaging is using its new machine for the production of POP/POS displays, primarily on corrugated board for clients including major supermarket chains.

"At present about 95 percent of the output on the FB7600 press is on corrugated board, but we also run Foamex as well as vinyls and correx for outdoor banners," he said.

Whittle added that the 13-year-old company was already in the process of building a sales team dedicated to the digital market and plans to increase the number of shifts it operates.

He added: "We're currently in the process of interviewing new staff to help push the digital side and plan to move from two shifts to three."

"[The FB7600] is meeting our objectives of improved quality and cost-effectiveness, and is reducing turnaround times, enabling us to satisfy customer demands and our business goals," he added.

Launched last October, the 3.2m-wide flatbed printer can print on a range of rigid and flexible substrates.

Offering maximum output speeds of 500sqm an hour, materials include corrugated board, paper, foam board, Dibond and plastics for both indoor and outdoor applications.

It can print on sheets of up to 1,650 x 3,200mm in size and on substrates up to 25mm thick.


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