The 525GE, which the York-based printer bought from Apex Digital Graphics for around £300,000, was installed last month. It marks the largest ever single investment for the firm, which was established in 1985.
The 11,000sph offset press offers fast makereadies, high-quality full-colour printing and the option of a fifth colour or a seal in one pass. It can handle stock sizes ranging from 0.04 to 0.5mm and has a maximum sheet size of 520x375mm.
Finance director Bob Scrase said: “People increasingly want silk art rather than gloss art and silk art needs sealing. Up until we got the new press we would have to seal the silk art paper as a separate operation.
“By having a fifth colour on the press we can seal at the same time. We can also do spot colours now as some clients want a bit of silver and gold and other things that you can’t get out of a four-colour process.
“It will help us to remain very competitive. Lower wastage, faster set-up and in-line sealing all represent a more efficiently produced and more cost-effective product for the customer.”
The business also upgraded its digital operation earlier this year when it purchased a Xerox Colour 550 and it has continued to reap the benefits of its solar panel investment made three years ago.
“It’s clear to us that businesses need to invest in people, infrastructure and equipment. Alongside our major capital investment in the printing press we are adding two staff to our complement, to ensure customer service is to the fore,” said Scrase.
The investment has been boosted by a grant from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP’s) Business Growth Programme, which is itself supported by the government’s Regional Growth Fund.
Managing director Martin Gray said: “We are extremely excited to be making this investment as we are a business with a long-term focus, and this machine represents a long-term investment. With this new press the highest demands for quality and printing accuracy are further enhanced.”
Fulprint, which has eight staff and a turnover of around £500,000, also operates Heidelberg litho equipment and platens for die-cutting and creasing. It offers a range of services including booklets, calendars, brochures and business cards for customers including small businesses, agencies and domestic and trade clients.
