The 30-staff family-run Burton-on-Trent business installed a new Durst Tau 330 RSC E UV last month.

Founded in the 1980s, the business specialises in the production of pump clips, keg badges and lenses, but also produces labels and tags for food and beverages.

“Obviously our business took a hit during lockdown, but our label printing business actually increased during this period,” said owner and managing director Keith Forster.

“We have bought the machine at the right time. We certainly see a huge scope for expansion in the labels side of our business.”

The new Durst replaces two EFI Jetrion inkjet label presses: a 4900M installed in 2013 and a 4900 from 2012.

Launched last year, the new Durst is capable of 52m/min and runs low-migration UV inks though Fujifilm Dimatix Samba heads capable of 1,200dpi. Available from circa €350,000 (£317,000), the entry-level machine is field upgradable to the specifications of the flagship 80m/min Durst Tau 330 RSC.

Forster said that the firm had been planning to invest in a new engine well before the Covid-19 pandemic took hold and as a result did a thorough review of the market, looking at seven manufacturers and running a series of tests.

“There is nothing comparable in terms of quality and reliability. The Durst Tau 330 RSC E replaces two machines and dramatically increases our capacity running significantly faster than the machines it replaces,” he said.

“This means our operating costs have been reduced significantly plus the machine also allows considerable ink consumption savings per linear metre. It’s also important to have the right workflow and that was another reason to choose Durst.”