The 30-staff printer said it needed the GH522NP to handle increased B3 work, such as business cards, stationery and numbering and perforating work, some of which was being fed through from sister company Micropress.

The Hans-Gronhi press, which was supplied by Printers Superstore, is configured with numbering and perforating capabilities.

Partner John Richardson said that after seeing the GH522NP at Ipex it was clear the press fitted the company's requirements. "We needed something to handle smaller formats, often in odd sizes between B3 and SRA5. Consequently, one of the first things we looked at was the Gronhi's ability to change paper size quickly and run small sheets effectively."

He said the semi-automatic plate-changing system, stream feeder, dampening system and overall ease of use, coupled with a price tag that it said was nearly half that of rivals, closed the deal.

"The difference is the price tag," he added. "We are talking almost half the cost of other machines with comparable specifications. These days, because margins are so tight, we have to cut our cloth accordingly."