"There's only one way to go and that's forward. We've invested the money to get the latest technology," said Ron Alderson, the firm's joint-managing director with brother Peter.

The "multi-million pound" Goss deal is for two 70,000cph M600D six-unit presses at its new 4m factory. The first press, which is set to be installed in October, will have a Vits high-speed sheeter and the second, set to go live next year, a Goss JF55 jaw folder.

"We looked at everything on the market but the deal with Goss, and with the quality they [the presses] produce it was the best option," said Alderson.

This latest sale is a landmark for Goss and means that the manufacturer has sold 20m worth of M600s into the UK since it bought Heidelberg's web division last August. West Molesey-based Alderson will continue to run its existing APB web division's two Komoris, a 16pp System 40 and 8pp System 20, at the old facility until the new site has both new Goss' up and running.

The new APB factory, next door to the firm's sheetfed division, is nearing completion and on schedule for a September handover.

"We've got a new factory, with new presses, which, with print the way it is at the moment, will give customers the confidence that they can put a job in here and we'll get it out," said Alderson.

Only last summer the firm's sheetfed division installed the UK's first B1 12-colour Mitsubishi Diamond 3000 six-over-six perfector.

Story by Darryl Danielli