The agent in Stockport, Cheshire, supplies kit for self-adhesive labels and narrow-web packaging and also handles gear from Flexor, Flexomaid, Rotary Technologies, Teknek, Nikka, CPS and DMS.

“End-users will be able to capitalise on ever-changing market dynamics with advanced, narrow-web inkjet technologies that give users lower running costs,” said LPP managing director Ian Bates.

Machines cost from £150,000 but can run to £900,000 with additions such as varnish, lamination, rewinding and laser die-cutting. The deal was signed with EFI in April.

Bates said feedback was “extremely positive” from customers who were won over by fast makereadies, the high quality of print and fast running speeds – around 48m/minute.

“We did a test run in Italy; took over six jobs on a stick, plugged it into the printer's software and ran off work with laser die cutting – it was excellent quality.

“From a user's point of view it's like a conventional flexo press, but as a modular machine you can build it to your own needs and spend as much as you want on the technology.”

He said the Jetrion was very much an add-on machine for flexo printers handling long runs. With the market swinging towards shorter runs and people reluctant to hold stock, printers wanted kit with good quality and consistency for printing shorter runs, Bates explained.

Initially technical support, installation and servicing would be handled by EFI, but LPP engineers would “shadow” the EFI team and would eventually take over, said Bates.

“Being UK-based it's more cost-effective for us to handle back-up rather than people coming over from Belgium or elsewhere.”

He added: “My background is in drytone rather than inkjet but I was very impressed with the trials, especially the denseness of the whites. Being modular means you can build to your own specification.”

LPP chairman Les Bradley said: “The technology offers a wide colour gamut and highly durable printing on a broad range of substrates.”

EFI UK and Ireland sales director Martin Mayo said the deal reflected EFI's commitment to expanding services in the UK and Ireland. 

“For LPP, adding the Jetrion printers to their portfolio meets real needs in the digital market," said Mayo.

The Jetrion met growing demand for shorter runs, versioning, faster turnarounds and inventory reduction - all while increasing customers' margin potential on short-run label quantities of 100 or fewer up to runs of 50,000 or more, he added.