Aldershot-based Bridge Offset has invested 1.8m in new equipment including a second-generation platesetter.
It has replaced a three-year-old Screen PlateRite PT-R 2080 visible light machine with a Screen PlateRite 8000 thermal machine with SAL8000 automatic plate loader and online processor.
"The thermal platesetter is quicker, reliable and much more productive," said Dave Holden, joint managing director of Bridge Offset.
"The new PlateRite is easier to use it can be used in the daylight and is environmentally sound as it does not use silver or any heavy metals," said Holden.
Before its switch to thermal the firm was using KPGs only visible light plate, the CTX, which is being phased out (PrintWeek, 1 June).
The company now runs about 12 plates per hour, 24-hours per day, using the "very reliable" KPG Electra Excel plates.
The firms acquisitions also include a Heidelberg Speedmaster 102-6+ LX Press and a ST 300 Stitchmaster line.
"The press is 140% more productive and the stitching is faster," said Holden.
Bridge Offset concentrates on point-of-sale and direct mail work, it has an annual turnover of 6m and 34 employees.
Story by Fay Schopen
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"It's wrong to assume the Chinese are behind the curve on automation - it used to be the case that manual processes were kept becuase it was cheaper to use them than buy the automated equipment,..."
"Incredible, what a business!"
"Sad news. Their prices were unsustainable - it was a race to the bottom."
