London repro house Studio One Origination has made its first venture into digital print with a MAN Roland DICOpress 500.


Technical works manager Chris Smith said that he opted for the DICOpress Rolands take on the Xeikon engine because it featured the latest toner and front-end technology (DICOstream 3.0).


"Its the latest model and we wanted to break some new ground," he said.


The engines 50cm width was also crucial for poster and display work, and for the production of 8pp sections for dummy or test magazines, said Smith.


"We get the repro contracts for the test magazines, but this will tie us in a bit closer to our customers," Smith added.


Studio One has also installed finishing equipment to handle work from the new machine, including a guillotine and folding and stitching equipment.


"The only way of having control of a job is to do the finishing in-house. The minute you send it out you lose control of the timings," said Smith.


Based near Londons Kings Cross, Studio Ones clients include newspaper and magazine publishers and advertising agencies. It employs 40 staff.


Murray Lock, marketing director of Rolands UK arm PPS, said the firm had now sold four DICOpresses.


"[Studio One] liked the MAN Roland badge and the fact that MAN Rolands background is in print," he said.


Story by Lauretta Roberts