The 74-5+L B2 press was installed this week and will be commissioned within the next two weeks. It replaces two older Speedmasters; a SM 74 and a SM 52, which were sold on within the UK. The firm anticipates that the new press will double its productivity levels and increase the quality and efficiency at its Bristol premises.

“We briefly considered other alternatives but we wanted there to be a group-wide level of conformity and the ability for cross-platform comparability,” said managing director Steve Cropper.

“Our operation in Sussex already has ISO 12647-2 and therefore it made sense to keep this latest investment in line with the rest of the Gemini Group.”

The press is specified with Prinect Easy Control, AutoPlate Pro and the Prinect Press Center.

Prinect Easy Control allows Pantone colours to be read and recorded for re-prints or re-use while AutoPlate Pro, a fully automatic plate changer with a staggered process, will reduce the firm’s makeready times.

The Prinect Press Center control station, with the Intellistart operator guidance system, automatically determines and implements the optimum process sequence for job changes.

Gemini Print Group currently consists of five printing operations, in four different locations. Gemini Digital and Gemini Print, based in Shoreham, Gemini Brighton, Gemini West and Gemini London.

The purchase is part of an overall £1m investment programme at Gemini West which has also added a new platesetter, a Polar guillotine and a Stahlfolder TH 56 in the past 12 months.

“Gemini West employs 25 staff and has a turnover in the region of £2m. The Gemini Group has 155 employees and is confident of reporting an increased turnover in excess of £16 million,” said Cropper.