The south London-based large-format specialist’s new machine, which will be installed in around two months time, will replace one of the firm’s two existing HP Scitex 11000 presses.

The 17000, which is targeted at decorated box and display applications, can handle sheets up to 1.6x3.2m and 25mm thick.

The 1,000sqm/hr press will increase the company’s capacity and allow it to move work over from its KBA Rapida 205 offset press.

“This will also open up new avenues for us, such as on the point-of-sale retail side, because of the speed of the machine,” said Odessa Print Group chief executive Laurence Matthews.

The Flexible Media Loader for the 17000, which has been launched at Fespa, enables fully automated loading of material from 115gsm up to corrugated board.

Odessa said it finds this automation option particularly important due to the high speed of the 17000.

The business, which has 90 staff and will achieve a turnover of €15.5m (£13m) this year, considered a range of alternative machines but said the 17000 was the best fit for its requirements.

Matthews praised HP, exhibiting on stand A1-D15, as “a very good partner” and said he liked the fact that the manufacturer’s machines could be field upgraded in the future.

Separately, HP has reported strong sales across its portfolio on stand A1-D15 at the show’s halfway mark, selling the first HP Latex 1500s to Alato and Pure Orange in Germany and Horizon Numerique in Algeria. It also sold the first Fespa-launched HP Latex 3600 to Germany’s FlyerAlarm.

According to Mike Horsten, HP sales manager large format graphics production EMEA, it has also sold five HP Scitex FB550s and a FB750 to undisclosed customers.