The 64pp press, capable of 42,000 copies per hour, is due to be operational at the company’s Poole plant by April 2003 and will boost Southernprint’s capacity by 30%.
“It is a lot more capacity, but that will allow us to make money at the prices we’re currently enjoying. We can target different product areas like the A5 or square book markets,” said Clark.

The company’s original plan was to install a second Heidelberg M4000 48pp after its first one went live last summer.

However, Southernprint managing director Stephen Clark said: “We had an option on a second. But following a market review we decided to go for the larger width press. MAN was able to supply the required specification, crucially to our required time-span.”

Clark insisted that the mixture of 48pp and 64pp presses would not inhibit the company’s flexibility.

“We won’t want customers to mix up 48pp work with 64pp. But there are options there. Any 48pp work could go on the 64pp. And 64pp could be split down to 32pp,” said Clark.

The Lithoman IV will replace two Komori webs, a 16pp and a 32pp, which will be mothballed.

The investment also includes a new perfect binding line, however, no deal has been signed at the moment.

MAN Roland Great Britain web sales manager John Ellis said: “We’ve been talking to Southernprint for some time. We’re pleased to be able to show that we are the leaders in the web market. We have other major projects in the pipeline.”

The UK’s other 64pp Lithoman IVs are at Benhamgoodheadprint, ET Heron and Polestar Watford.

Heidelberg sales director Jim Todd said: “It is a bit galling to see a competitor’s press going in next to ours, but we couldn’t accelerate the manufacturing process of our press.”

Southernprint, which is owned by Newsquest, employs 240 people and has a turnover of £30m.

Stephen Clark is pictured.

Story by John Davies.