"One of our strengths is that we don't deal with a typical customer, we work with the label industry right the way through to primary film converters," said chief engineer Keith Fordham.

The 5.5m turnover Ipswich-based firm, launched five machines at Drupa and hasn't had a chance to catch its breath since, selling 60 machines since May.

The US deal was for five Sapphire S2 slitter/rewinder. The 700m/min S2, which offers closed loop tension control and a brand new type of female knife setting, uses a system with new geometry for precise control at high-speeds.

Story by Darryl Danielli