London-based printer Richard Edward ordered 15 Roland 700 units. The 3.6m order consists of a five-back-five 10-colour and a straight five-colour with coater.

Richard Edward chairman David Moger said: "Features like the new air glide delivery and the ultra-fast makeready on the latest model will mean that we can produce even higher-quality perfected print and on heavier stocks."

Improvements in set-up time also proved decisive for Hull-based Wyke Printers. Managing director Nick Dominey said: "The faster makeready of the new machine and the addition of the ColorPilot system will allow us to increase our efficiency in the press room."

Wyke invested 1.6m in its third Roland 700 at the show. The Roland 706 P LV provides a 4/2 with coater configuration, includes the ColorPilot colour monitoring system and will be installed in August.

Derbyshire-based Heanor Gate Printing joined in with its first major spend since it underwent a management buyout in 2005.

It invested 1.3m in a six-colour Roland 700 B1 press, due for delivery in May.

The press will replace a six-colour Komori 640. "Converting our B1 equipment to all MAN Roland means we can network all three machines," said Heanor Gate Printing managing director Brian Reeder.

Kingston Carton, in East Yorkshire, has also invested 1.3m on a six-colour Roland 700 with coater.

Managing director Arend Buitendam said: "The 706 is a fast machine with quick change around, it can handle long runs while also competing on shorter-run work."