The 2m investment follows the direct and transactional mail house's 800,000 spend on Xerox equipment (PrintWeek, 30 March).

"The quality of print on the Drent is very high and it is much better for make-ready times," said CFH managing director David Broadway.

"It backs up what we have been doing in terms of investment and there is a move in the market for more colour."

The nine-colour Drent VSOP 520 has a maximum web width of 520mm. When changing printing lengths, only two lightweight, length-variable sleeves need to be changed, a process that takes about four minutes.

Broadway said CFH chose the Drent press after he saw the VSOP 520 demonstrated at Drupa two years ago. The press can print on film, foil, paper and carton.

"With much shorter runs of paper required for set up, we are reducing wastage as well as saving on the use of power and press time," added Broadway.

Bath-based CFH invested 1m last year on three Pitney Bowes inserting lines, bolstering its inserting and enclosing capacity (PrintWeek, 29 September 2005).

CFH produces business forms and documents such as bills, statements and printed cheque payments. Its customers include utility companies, telecom firms and local authorities.

"Our reputation as quality four-colour process printers will be greatly enhanced by this latest investment," said Broadway.

Recent CFH investments
September 2005: Spends 1m on Pitney Bowes inserting and enclosing equipment

March 2006: Invests 800,000on Xerox kit

April 2006: Buys the UK's first Drent VSOP 520 for 2m