Independent Reprographics in Hemel Hempstead has installed the UK's first Screen TruePress 544.


And Screen has secured another three firm orders in the UK market.


The B3 TruePress, which was the second sold in Europe (the first was in Holland), cost Independent 300,000 and will be up and running by the end of this month.


The DI press will be used for work like video sleeves and leaflets. "I was bowled over by the quality," said Independent Reprographics managing director Mark Bolan.


The roof of the premises where the press was installed was too low and the floor was lowered by 14in.


The purchase follows Independent Reprographic's acquisition of print broker PrintMarque last month.


"PrintMarque handled short-run work and buying the 544 seemed like the right move," said Bolan.


The firm has also considered variable data printing. "We will continue down the digital route, but the unit costs of variable data presses are still a bit high," said Bolan. He added that he would re-assess the market in 18 months.


The TruePress 544 was previewed at Ipex and underwent beta installations in Japan.


Two UK beta-sites - Chameleon in Welwyn Garden City and Zebra in London - have been using 544s since September (PrintWeek, 20 October). "We've had some difficulties with the 544 but they've been overcome," said Screen managing director Brian Filler.


Screen is recruiting a sales manager to sell its DI presses. The B2 744 press will be available in the UK in June 2001.


Story by Jeremy Allen