Apex plans to give Ryobi 750 another major push

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23 July 2003

Apex Digital Graphics, the UK distributor of Ryobi presses, plans a major push into the B2-plus market with the Ryobi 750 more than a year after the press series was launched in the UK.

The 75cm-width machine was initially launched by previous distributor Ry-Offset Graphics at Ipex last year but none have been sold in the UK. Ry-Offset, part of Knight Machinery (Holdings), went into administration in October (PrintWeek, 18 October 2002), and Apex secured exclusive UK distribution rights in November.

Neil Handforth, director of sales and marketing for Apexs Ryobi division, said the firm planned to approach the market by focusing on existing clients looking to upgrade, and users of competitors equipment that could be looking to change.

He claimed the 750 series offered several advantages over the competition, such as speedy plate change, quick makeready and the ability to handle stock thickness of 600 microns.

The 750 is available in up to six colours with coating and perfecting options, and can print 15,000 sheets an hour.

Handforth expected an announcement to be made later this year about adding more units to the range. An entry-level machine will cost around 400,000.

Story by Andy Scott