The Deeside-based firm took delivery of the flexo platesetter in addition to Kodak Hyperflex Resolution Enhancement Software, Prinergy Evo Powerpack Workflow Software and Maxtone Hybrid Screening also from Kodak.

Systems Labelling repro manager Robin Barker told printweek.com the new system has cut plate production time "dramatically" with the process "a lot cleaner than before"

He added: "A set of plates that would have taken us around four hours to produce now takes on just one and the lack of solvents involved in production is a major environmental benefit".

The 75-staff firm has also experienced a hike in the quality of its plates by incorporating Maxtone Hybrid Screening, which has helped enhance detail and improve highlight reproduction.

In addition, the Hyperflex Resolution Enhancement Technology improves halftones and vignettes when outputting plates for its eight-colour Mark Andy UV flexo presses.

Barker said: "The improvement in quality has been a quantum shift for us and we're pitching for new business all the time."

He added the firm hopes the kit will open up new markets such as those in the beverage sector.

The company's new Thermoflex platesetter can expose plates up to 1,016 x 1,200mm and can handle a range of media types and thicknesses, including flexo and letterpress plates as well as film.