"You know me if there's something new I've got to have it!" said Technik managing director Terry Walker (pictured), who bought the system "sight unseen" on the strength of its chemistry-free technology.

Seven years ago the 4m turnover premedia-to-print company was also the first UK user of Agfa's Galileo platesetter.

Azura plates do not require traditional chemical processing. Instead, after imaging the plate's non-image area is removed by a set of scrubbing rollers inside the plate gumming unit. This unit does not require a water connection or drain, and the waste it produces is non-hazardous.

Walker said the benefits outweighed the slightly more expensive price of Azura plates: "If you take into account the cost of chemicals, maintenance, cleaning and waste removal it's actually got some great saving aspects," he said. "It also makes a quality and environmental statement and will be a benefit when we're dealing with certain clients."

Agfa plate product manager Mike Loose said: "It's very exciting to be going into B1 with the product, and we're doing it because it's performing in the market. From my point-of-view it's one of the best product launches we've ever had."

The Azura system was launched last autumn in B2 format. The B1 unit at Northprint only arrived in the UK at the end of last week, and was immediately shipped to Harrogate. The larger format costs around 170,000, depending upon workflow and system configuration. Agfa has high expectations for the B1 product and expects to sell around 12 a year.

"We're really pleased about this sale. We've done business with Terry for a long time and he's always been responsive to new ideas," added Agfa Graphic Systems director Laurence Roberts. "The whole point with Azura is there's no chemistry. And we have a product on the market that works and no-one else does."

Story by Jo Francis at Northprint