Tonbridge-based repro house Zone Graphics opted for the B1 PlateRite in order to produce plates from B3 to B1 to meet its customers' requirements. It also bought Screen's Trueflow workflow software.

The company chose thermal over visible light options based on demand for easy handling.

Managing director Jamie Marshall said: "Everyone who deals with plates knows the drawbacks with visible light, but thermal plates can be handled without worrying about light exposure or finger marks."

Time savings as well as improved quality have already been seen by its customers, which include Sotheby's, added Marshall.

Fleet Litho, a design-to-digital-print company, based in Tunbridge Wells, has also seen measurable production improvements due to its new Palladio along with Agfa's Plate Manager software.

Managing director Mark Wood said: "Agfa's violet plate prints as well as the more expensive thermal option, and it delivers all we need for our average runs of 70,000-80,000 impressions."

Story by Rachel Barnes