The Mouse House Group has claimed a UK first with the installation of an Image Control system on its second Heidelberg B2 74DI press, earmarked for 1 July.


The system guarantees consistent quality by measuring an approved printed sheet throughout the run, adjusting output if necessary.


The company already has a five-colour Heidelberg 74DI B2 press; the second machine will be a four-colour model. Sales director Tony Mollett said the company had spent over 2m on new equipment.


It also aims to score another first with the purchase of the UKs first B1 Heidelberg DI press.


"The machine will be available in two to three years and weve promised ourselves we will be the first in the UK to install it," said Mollett.


"We believe youve got to invest heavily to reap the rewards," he said.


"Our customers are very pleased our second machine will allow two-colour perfecting and we will be able to turn around jobs very quickly."


The Harrogate-based company has been undergoing a process of re-invention for some time. Set up 10 years ago as a typesetting company, it diversified to repro before turning to print two years ago.


In January, Mouse House moved into purpose-built, 1,200m2 premises costing 1m. Now it employs a team of 22 and has an annual turnover of 1.5m. By the end of the year, the company plans to be working 24-hour shifts, six days a week on both presses.


Story by Fay Schopen