The deal could pave the way for the installation of a 16pp web press in the next two years, according to Ancient House managing director Mike Underdown. This would be KBAs first commercial web order in the UK for over seven years (PrintWeek, 25 January).

Underdown said Ancient House wanted to "align ourselves with one major supplier". "Now it is up to KBA if this press is successful they will share in our plans for the future," he added.

KBA fought off competition from Heidelberg, which has sold multi-unit sheetfed presses and a five-unit miniweb to Ancient House in the past.

The firm made its choice after a team led by Underdown visited Johannesburg-based printer Ultra Litho. Its 13-unit version of the Rapida 105, fitted with a Mabeg reel-sheeter, met with Ancient Houses needs for a faster and more flexible sheetfed press.

The Rapida 105 also with reel sheeter will be installed in June and go commercially live in July.

KBAs preliminary results for 2001 show an 18.6% increase in sales to 800m (E1.29bn), with net income up 40% to 46.5m. However, orders were down 12.1% from the boom of Drupa to 852.2m.

KBA director of marketing and communications Klaus Schmidt said sheetfed was more buoyant than web. "Since November it has had a very strong performance, especially with the new order at Ancient House Press."

Story by Rachel Barnes