The 20-staff outfit installed the machine today (5 June) and took out a 2014-installed six-colour LS28, which had given it “good service”, according to Symposium managing director Andrew Studley. The latest Lithrone joins a second LS29, a five-colour. It was supplied by used machinery specialist West Park Graphic Equipment.

Studley said: “It was getting to the point that for our five and six colour machines, a lot of the work we were doing was ideal for perfecting and then there were some jobs where we weren’t keen enough on price. We were being asked to quote and couldn’t do jobs for that price. 

“We can do four-plus special jobs with the 10-colour and it hasn’t got to stay in perfector mode all the time. It’s something where we want to say, 'Well that gives us the edge to be able to dip into the B1 market.' Work is still hard enough to get but for some of the lead times we have been asked for it will give us the edge.”

Studley also highlighted the machine’s added automation, with its autoplate loading, chilled rollers, autoblanket cylinder wash and colour control management system, as plus points. The colour control system scans every 500 sheets and adds necessary colour correction if required.

The machine runs at a maximum speed of 16,000sph, taking a maximum sheet size of 530mmx750mm. It runs double CMYK plus front and back seal. 

“We’re looking for it to have an impact,” added Studley.

Symposium produces a range of commercial work, including long-run mailers, magazines, flyers and brochures. It is the approved printer for the Welsh Conservative Party and is based in Llandow, just outside Cardiff. 

Along with the two Komoris, the £1.8m-turnover outfit also runs finishing kit, which includes two Duplo stitching lines installed at the end of last year.