The short- to medium-run printer, based in Northampton, has specified the manufacturer's ColorPilot system and is running the press 24/7.

Managing director Darren Briers (pictured) said: "We have dramatically reduced the amount of makeready time when switching between jobs, and that simply means we can print more."

Avalon specialises in commercial print, particularly business-to-business marketing materials and brochures.

Briers added: "We believe we are right to stay in the B2 sector... We know we are not the cheapest printer in this area, but customers see us as an insurance policy for their print, and that has to be a great position for us."

Gary Doman, MAN Roland GB sales director for sheetfed and finishing products, said: "We are delighted, of course, to have assisted Avalon with its latest investment.

"The Roland 500 is proving particularly popular at the moment with commercial printers here in the UK."

For more installations, see next Thursday's PrintWeek.