Nipson bullish after first-half figures

Digital print manufacturer Nipson has moved into profit for the first-half of 2005 on the back of growing equipment sales and predicts a buoyant second half following new distribution deals and product introductions.

This autumn the firm will launch improved printing technology that speeds up its VaryPress 200 by 25% and increases print quality.

First-half highlights included Norfolk-based book printer Biddles installing a VaryPress 400 and upgrading its existing equipment. The firm also signed a deal with Kodak Versamark to sell an integrated transactional print line that uses the VaryPress 400 for MICR printing onto cheques.

Turnover rose 19% to 15.8m for the six months to 30 June while operating profit was 146,000 compared to a loss of 448,000 last year.

Although recurring revenues, from toner and service, were flat during the first half the firm predicted that they would recover in the fourth quarter.

Story by Barney Cox