Heidelberg signed its 100th UK Quickmaster DI order at Northprint.


The buyer has asked to remain anonymous until the machine is installed in the summer.


Heidelberg also used the show to release some DI market information and trends. It revealed that 36% of its DI customers are commercial printers, 21% quickprinters and 17% pre-press businesses looking to move into print. The firm described itself as having a "ten year lead" on rivals, in a statement timed to coincide with the release of DI products from Ryobi and Komori.


The firm is anticipating strong growth in the direct imaging sector, and expects to capitalise on its substantial user base already two-thirds of orders worldwide for the B2 Speedmaster 74 DI have come from existing Quickmaster DI users.


Heidelberg also announced the sale of its first Speedmaster 74 DI in Scotland. It will be installed at Colour Network in Glasgow. The firm is highly-experienced in digital print, and is an existing user of both Heidelberg Quickmaster QM 46 DI and an Indigo machine.


Managing director Robert Gray described the 74 DI as "more economical than litho in my view", and said that the five-colour machine would open up opportunities in new markets, including packaging and labelling.
The firms spend, backed by Close Asset, includes a K78 combination folder, ST 100 stitcher and Polar 115E guillotine. It is also planning to expand its premises with an additional 600m2 unit.