The four-year plate contract includes two Avalon LF platesetters, Apogee 7 workflow and an Agfa Sherpa proofer, which has replaced three Agfa Galileo platesetters.

According to Docklands-headquartered DG3, which previously used Agfa's Lithostar LAP-V and LAP-O plates, the switch has led to significant cost benefits as a result of the reduction in its use of silver-based pre-press chemicals.

"We only need to clean the processor bath once a month now rather than fortnightly and it also takes less time," said DG3 quality and environmental manager Steve Brinklow.

"Added to this, we have dispensed with three large chemical waste drums and no longer require a company to dispose of the waste."

According to Brinklow, the investment has resulted in a 70% reduction in plate chemistry used, as well as a 70% reduction in waste collection costs. The company has also reduced its platemaking footprint by 50% and halved the amount of time taken to clean its processor.

DG3 offers both digital and litho print and gets through around 4,000 plates per month. "With the adoption of Amigo TS plates we have increased plate production by more than 20% and also appreciate an improved darker blue image on plate," said Dax Britton, pre-press manager at DG3.