"There are too many firms out there and that is reflected in the prices [for print], so we've had to buy the kit to compete," said Anton chief executive John Knight (pictured).
The latest 12-colour with CutStar is part of an order for three that the firm placed at Drupa last year. The first went in at the start of the year with the third set to be installed in January 2006.
"So we will then be running five long perfectors with CutStars," said Knight.
This will make the Brentwood-based firm the largest CutStar user in the UK and possibly the world, with two 10- and three 12-colour Speedmasters fitted with the sheeter.
"I can't believe that they're not being bought by the entire trade, when you consider that there's a 20% price difference between sheetfed paper and reel prices," said Knight.
As part of the sheetfed house's 2005 4m spend it is also currently installing two five-colour Kodak NexPress 2100 plus digital presses.
"The fifth colour will allow us to offer our clients brand colours, coating and more personalisation," said Knight.
The two new presses have gone in alongside the firm's existing four-colour NexPress in the short term, with a view to replacing it.
The direct mail and financial print specialist has also invested heavily in its pre-press department.
It has added two Agfa Sherpa wide-format proofers (bringing it up to a total of eight) and its third B1 Galileo VXT violet platesetter, making the firm one of the largest Galileo users in the UK.
"We need all this kit to keep the 10s and 12s going with plates," said Knight.
He added that Anton hopes to add between 5 and 6m to its 30m turnover this year, based on its capacity boost and contract wins.
The firm is holding an open house event at its site on the 25 October, where it will show off the kit and unveil its new corporate logo.
Anton Group
2000 formed after merging five firms and moved to its 10,000m2 purpose built site, made up of six factories, in same year
2004 Turnover 30m
Staff 300
2005 Installs
Two 12-colour Speedmaster 102s with CutStar,
Two five-colour NexPress 2100 plus
Agfa Grand Sherpamatic 50 double-sided proofer,
Sherpa 44m eight-up proofer
Galileo VXT B1 platesetter,
Heidelberg Stitchmaster ST400 saddlestitcher
B1 Stahlfolder TK94 folder
Polar 137 Flowline Guillotine
