GenesisNews: 2009 Top Ten

Having already featured some of our own favourite stories of the year, it is now time for us to showcase the stories that you, our visitors, found most compelling. These are effectively the news items that you have voted for with your clicks as being the stories that you wanted to find out about:

1. Parrot Print Installs Third Ryobi Press

There was something about this B3 landscape press installation that caught peoples interest. It was the most read story on GenesisNews for 2009, and must therefore win some sort of award!

2. Ryobi DI Elected Winner by Kall Kwik Horsham

The compelling story of a Kall Kwik franchise that has created strong ties with political party UKIP. Ryobi’s UK distributor, Apex Digital Graphics, was delighted to find the perfect application for its DI solution.

3. Benson Group Make UK Packaging Awards Shortlist

Unfortunately the appearance on the shortlist this year didn’t lead to Benson Group retaining its Packaging Company of the Year Award, but this release was certainly well read.

4. Apex Launches Five Colour Ryobi GE Press

Towards the end of 2009 Ryobi announced the introduction of the 525GE press. A full independent review of the machine can be found here.

5. StudioRIP to Exhibit at PRINT 09

At least one UK exhibitor caused a stir at PRINT 09 in Chicago. Whilst the show might not have received rave reviews with regard to attendance, the StudioRIP team were delighted with the show.

6. LED-UV Makes B2 Debut for Ryobi at PRINT 09

A second PRINT 09 mention in 6^th place, as Ryobi expands its LED-UV concept up to B2 format. This introduction has certainly caught the print sectors imagination.

7. Reflections Optix: A 3D Print Revolution

In a year when printers have been desperate for new innovations, finishing specialist Reflections introduced Optix, a new and exciting 3D print solution. See the new Reflections web site for more samples.

8. New Premises for Marlowe Graphic Services

Whilst many businesses were feeling the pinch in 2009, the pre-press specialists at Marlowe Graphic Services enjoyed a good year in service, with customers keen to hang on to their pre-press systems rather than spend on new.

9. Reflections: Feel the Fabric

More finishing excellence at number 9, with Reflections bringing new and exciting laminated solutions to the world of print. The story was well covered by the trade press.

10. Hine Labels Open House Featuring Xeikon 3000

Following its purchase of the UK’s first Xeikon 3000 digital label printing system, Hine Labels, Rotherham, showed off its new investment with an open house.

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GenesisNews: Best of 2009 Part 2, July to December

Get Touchy Feely with Fabric Lamination

Whilst 2009 might not be a year that many will want to celebrate from a business perspective, there has been good news during the course of the year. As we near the end of 2009, it is surely a good time to focus on some of those stories that we enjoyed publishing on GenesisNews. This batch is from the second half of the year: (click the headline of any story for the full version)

July 2009: Portfolios Show Guide a Touching Success

Portfolios, a combined exhibition and seminar staged by the owners of The Creative Handbook and Creative Review, which took place in June, utilised the recently launched “Fabric” lamination product from Reflections for the cover of its show guide and product catalogue.

August 2009: Low-Chemistry Plates for Arlon Printers

Arlon Printers Ltd, Hemel Hempstead, has made a significant environmental statement by becoming one of the first UK printers to adopt the new Brillia HD PRO-V low-chemistry plate from Fujifilm. The plates are being used in conjunction with a Screen Plate Rite 2055vi platesetter, and both plates and computer-to-plate device have been purchased through Apex Digital Graphics.

August 2009: Able-Labels Further Enabled with StudioRIP

Able-Labels, Earls Barton, Northampton, leaders in the production of printed self-adhesive address labels and other personalised goods since 1954, has announced details regarding the purchase of StudioRIP to enhance the company’s pre-press department.

September 2009: Reflections Optix: A 3D Revolution

Reflections has announced the release of Optix, a print based product that provides a new and innovative three-dimensional optical illusion. The technology was originally developed in America, but after a recent deal with the patent holder, Reflections are proud to announce they have exclusive rights to develop and produce Optix in UK and Europe.

October 2009: Europe’s First Komori Lithrone SX40 for Benson Group

Europe’s first Komori Lithrone SX40 sheet fed press has been installed at Benson Group’s Integrated Packaging site in Gateshead. The 18,000 sheets per hour, 40 inch press is equipped with six print units and a coating unit capable of adding UV or water-based finishes.

November 2009: StudioRIP Announces New Activity in North America

StudioRIP, the UK-based independent software RIP provider, has announced details regarding the its newly formed relationship with Newtec Systems Inc, based in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. The company is to act as a distributor for the StudioRIP software in both Canada and USA.

December 2009: Integrity Print Expands into Digital Labels with Xeikon

Specialist trade print business, Integrity Print, Midsomer Norton, has announced details of an investment that will expand the company’s presence into the digital label market. The Xeikon 3300 digital label press, complete with in-line finishing, will be working alongside the company’s existing flexographic narrow-web presses.

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New Midlands-based CtP Bureau Launched

Quay 63 is the new name in the computer-to-plate bureau sector. The company has been launched to provide B3 and B2 metal offset-litho plates from its Shrewsbury headquarters in the West Midlands.

“We believe that there is a place in the market for a CtP bureau that can provide a fast and reliable service, utilising ISO12647-2 colour management as a basis for product quality and consistency,” said Managing Director Steve Edwards. “Our research suggested to us that whilst there are companies to provide “plates only” in the South East and the North East of the country, there was nobody that we could find providing such a service in or around the Midlands. Whilst there are printers that will provide plates as an additional service, how many “plate only” customers want to place their outwork with a competitor?”

The company is in a position to provide press ready metal plates for B2 and B3 presses via its HighWater Python CtP device, along with ISO 12647-2 colour managed proofs via its Epson Stylus Pro 9880.

“We know of a number of companies who are still relying on film output. Film is becoming a rare commodity these days, and users will have to make a switch to CtP in the very near future. With most of the country within a two hour drive of Shrewsbury, we are convinced that we have a winning formula,” added Steve Edwards. Soft proofs of all files will be e-mailed back to plate customers prior to plate exposure in order to double-check imposed content.

Quay 63 will also be keen to fit into B3 and B2 printers disaster recovery plans. “Print businesses need to have plans in place in case trouble strikes: whether that be technical problems or people problems. Pre-press personnel are just too expensive to allow for one to be employed on “stand-by” just in case somebody is ill or on holiday. Quay 63 can help to provide an insurance policy for printers.”

Printers are being given the opportunity to “test drive” the Quay 63 service by ordering, for a limited period of time, a complementary set of plates. They can also download free software that will allow for the fast and efficient uploading of files to the Quay 63 secure servers. Visit www.quay63.co.uk for more information.

Quay 63 can also be contacted by telephone on 01743 367 382.

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See PrintWeek.com’s version of this news story.

GenesisNews and the Best of PrintWeek 2009

Bill Hine and his Xeikon 3000

One key area for the promotion of Genesis Marketing news items is the UK’s leading printing industry publication, PrintWeek, in conjunction with its web site www.printweek.com. Here we review just a handful of the 80-plus GenesisNews stories included within the pages of PrintWeek during 2009:

January: Benson Group in Profile following a visit to the company’s head office in Bardon, Leicestershire by PrintWeek journalist Helen Morris.

January: The SRA1 format Ryobi 920 featured as a “Product of the Week”. Full details of the story can be found by clicking here.

March: Hine Labels Xeikon label press purchase was included as a news item on the digital page. Click here for the full story.

June: Reflections own glue manufacturing plant, Solutions, featured with a story detailing its first glue exports. Catch up on Solutions here.

August: “Me & My” feature on the Ryobi 755 + Coater at Leicestershire County Council. Check out this B2-format press and how it completely changed the business of this in-plant here.

August: Another “Me and My” feature on the Xeikon 3000 digital label press, as in use in this case at CS Labels in the West Midlands.

September: UK-based independent RIP supplier StudioRIP at Print 09. One of the few success stories of the show.

October: Packaging specialist Benson Group Buys Europe’s First Komori LSX40 for one of its North East based production plants. Find out more.

December: A Product of the Week feature on the recently introduced Ryobi 525GE offset litho press. The small footprint of this machine makes it ideal for printers where space is at a premium. Click here to read more.

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GenesisNews: Best of 2009 Part 1, January to June

Feel the Fabric: See April's Entry

Whilst 2009 might not be a year that many will want to celebrate from a business perspective, there has been some good news during the course of the year. As we near the end of 2009, it is surely a good time to focus on some of those stories that we enjoyed publishing on GenesisNews. This selection is from the first six months of the year:

January 2009: Hosted Rental Service for DigiQuote and JobControl Software

TimeHarvest Limited, the award-winning software development company specialising in digital print, announced a solution to three pressing needs amongst digital printing companies: firstly, to preserve cashflow; secondly, to provide increased data security; and finally, for sales staff to be able to roam whilst still having full access to office based systems. The solution? To make TimeHarvest products available via a Hosted Rental Service. Full story . . .

February 2009: Benson Group Moves into Pharma Labels Sector

Folding carton specialist Benson Group announced details of its first move into the labels sector with the purchase of a Gallus EM340S printing press with a Scantech VisionTrack rewind and inspection machine for its pharmaceutical-focused Medica Packaging business in Crewe, Cheshire. The seven-colour Gallus EM340S UV-Flexographic press, is capable of a wide range of label production formats, including reverse printing, printing on adhesive, edge slit, in-line die cutting, as well as printing onto a wide range of substrates. Full story . . .

March 2009: UK First for Xeikon at Hine Labels

Hine Labels Ltd, Rotherham, Yorkshire, announced details of a decision to upgrade its existing Xeikon label press to a new Xeikon 3000 machine. The installation was the first Xeikon 3000 digital label press in the UK. Xeikon 3000 has been designed as a counterpart to the Xeikon 3300 label press, and contains many of the same features as its “bigger brother”. Full story . . .

March 2009: “ISO 12647 Proficient Printer” Standard for Benson Box

Benson Group, headquartered in Bardon, Leicestershire, announced details of its newly acquired “ISO 12647 Proficient Printer” status, as awarded by colour specialists Mellow Colour, for its Benson Box carton printing operation. Benson Box, Bardon, specialises in the production of folding cartons for the food industry. Work on the colour standard was also underway at the three other Benson Group sites at Gateshead, Newcastle, and Crewe, the group’s 100% pharmaceutical plant. Full story . . .

April 2009: New Ryobi as X1 Growth Continues

X1, the Slough-based print and graphic design company, announced the installation of a new Ryobi 524GX press, as well as the purchase and consolidation of Jackson Print, a Hayes-based printing company, into the business. The incorporation of the order book and staff of Jackson Print took place in February 2009. Full story . . .

April 2009: Reflections Invited you to Feel the Fabric

Reflections, the largest speciality print finisher in the south of England, announced the launch of a new fabric-surfaced substrate for printers and graphic designers who are seeking something different and exciting for a special promotional campaign. The substrate combines a card backing and a laminated fabric surface. Full story . . .

May 2009: MGS: Pre-Press Growth in a Recession

Marlowe Graphic Services Ltd (MGS), Leighton Buzzard, the UK’s leading independent pre-press service and maintenance company, recorded significant growth in its business during the early recessionary months fo 2009. Darren Eliot, Managing Director of MGS, said: “We have been delighted with the additional business that has been coming our way in recent months.” Full story . . .

June 2009: Ryobi DI Elected Winner by Kall Kwik Horsham

Kall Kwik Horsham declared its recent purchase of a Ryobi 3404X-DI press to be a real winner following a significant vote in its favour from political party UKIP. A local UK Independence Party (UKIP) representative recently approached the high street based franchise to produce some posters. After a swift and cost effective job was produced, further discussions took place with party leaders, and an agreement was reached for Kall Kwik Horsham to produce the political group’s publicity material for the whole of the UK during the recent local and European elections. An ongoing relationship is now being forged on the back of the performance of the Ryobi press. Full story . . .

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Software Suppliers Lend Helping Hand at Erskine

Two specialist software companies are helping ensure Erskine Print, run by the veterans’ charity Erskine, put its stamp on the commercial printing market.

Erskine, which runs five care homes across Scotland, is a leading employer of ex-Service men and women with supported employment, not only across the care sector, but its four commercial businesses which includes Erskine Print.

TimeHarvest Ltd, based in Oxford, has donated DigiQuote-Lite quoting software which will assist Erskine Print in quoting and production and help to deliver cost-effective pricing for its customer and client base.

Geoff Stephens, Managing Director of TimeHarvest Ltd, recently visited the Erskine Print factory to provide a day of software training to Alan Crawley, Erskine Print manager and his staff.

Following on from his visit, FileMaker International, the leader in easy-to-use database software and a supplier to TimeHarvest Ltd, also donated two copies of FileMaker Pro database software and accompanying licences after hearing about the work of Erskine from Geoff.

Alan Crawley, Erskine Print manager, said: “We are obviously delighted to receive such generous donations of estimating software from TimeHarvest and FileMaker, particularly in the current economic climate. It’s very gratifying that the work we do in offering meaningful employment and training to disabled and able bodied ex-Service people has been recognized in such a manner. The easy-to-use software will help us to sharpen our commercial edge in an industry where producing accurate quotations in very short time lines is vital.”

Geoff Stephens, added: “Getting professional, accurate quotes out on time is as vital to Erskine Print as it is to any commercial company. It’s our pleasure to support our veterans in this way.”

Tony Speakman, FileMaker’s Regional Manager in Northern Europe commented:“When we heard about the great work that Erskine Print are doing we were more than happy to help where we could and provide software. The team does a great job and we were hugely impressed with their efforts in helping ex-service people into the workplace. It’s an extremely worthy cause and we hope that our donation can help to make them even more productive and successful.”

For further details about Erskine Print visit www.erskine.org.uk.

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TimeHarvest: Invoice in Just One Click!

TimeHarvest, the award-winning MIS system for digital print companies, has responded to the current postal difficulties by adding a new e-invoicing facility to its popular JobControl product.

With just one click users are able to send an invoice as an e-mail with a branded PDF attached. At the same time a copy of the invoice is archived in a “Sent Invoices” mailbox. Invoices can also carry a user-defined promotional message via another feature recently added to the JobControl system.

New users will benefit from this feature immediately, whilst existing hosted customers can have the feature added free of charge on request. The new facility is also available to non-hosted clients for a small charge.

Geoff Stephens, Managing Director of TimeHarvest, said: “In these challenging times I firmly believe that small businesses need to help look after each other. The idea for adding this simple feature to our software was born purely out of recent events with the postal workers. Small businesses need to get their invoices to customers on time, often in order to meet payment system deadlines. Just a couple of days delay caused by a postal strike can often mean having to wait a whole month longer for payment. By generating an instant PDF and e-mailing it through to the client our customers will be able to avoid any such delay.”

The TimeHarvest JobControl software – the MIS package developed for the busy digital printer – provides the tools to produce all necessary job documentation from job ticket through to invoice. The product features the “Day Board” where users can see exactly where each job is in the print production process, and can also see what work has yet to be completed.

TimeHarvest was founded in 2003 by digital print veteran Geoff Stephens for the express purpose of developing affordable, easy-to-use software aimed squarely at users of modern digital presses. The company operates from the UK but has clients throughout Europe, North America and South Africa.

For further information visit the www.timeharvest.com web site or contact the company direct at TimeHarvest Ltd, Mill Corner, Littleworth Village, Oxford, OX33 1TR, telephone 01865 989111.

ENDS

New Premises for Marlowe Graphic Services

New Premises for Marlowe

Marlowe Graphic Services Ltd (MGS) has unveiled details of a move to larger, modern new offices in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. The company had previously been located in Hockcliffe, near Leighton Buzzard.

The new offices provide the company with more space, which will incorporate showroom facilities, as well as storage for spare parts, and office space. The Kings Langley location offers easy access to both the M25 and M1.

The full address of the new facility is: 20 Abbots Business Park, Primrose Hill, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8FR. “Sat-nav” worshippers should appreciate that this is a new address, and therefore a new post code, which may well provide inaccurate travel instructions at this point in time!

Darren Eliot, Managing Director of Marlowe Graphic Services, said: “This move helps to emphasise the expansion that we have been undergoing as a business this year. Whilst to many that might seem an unusual statement, given the tough trading conditions being experienced in 2009, Marlowe Graphic Services – with a core business of service and maintenance of pre-press equipment – has been thriving.

“A lot of pre-press departments are not in a position to invest in new equipment right now, and that is good news for Marlowe Graphic Services. We are helping to extend the life of existing equipment with both regular maintenance and low-cost system enhancements.”

The new build offices, located on the recently created Abbotts Business Park, will allow the company to create a pre-press showroom, showcasing many of the products it offers, including new platesetters, RIP’s, workflow solutions, and other equipment.

Sales Director Andy Hemmings adds: “We didn’t have sufficient space at our previous building to offer proper demonstrations on-site, so this move will be a great help with regard to equipment sales.

“Location is also critical to both the service and sales operations, and Kings Langley offers a great position with regard to the motorway network.”

About the Marlowe Graphic Services

Marlowe Graphic Services are the UK’s premier independent pre-press specialist, providing service, parts and technical support for a wide range of graphic arts equipment. The company’s service offering is unique in that not only does it supply, integrated and service third-party equipment but it also has its own team of in-house software and hardware specialists, which means that if a solution doesn’t exist MGS will simply make it!

Customers range from multi-national magazine and newspaper publishers, to fine-art printers, book printers and general commercial print suppliers. In short, print businesses of all shapes and sizes, being looked after by MGS’s team of factory-trained engineers, covering the whole of the UK.

The MGS web site has been designed to complement the range of individual services that the company currently offers, all uniquely supported by MGS’s own staff. Customers like the MGS approach, as they are not making important purchasing decisions via a faceless computer, or even worse, an overseas call centre. They know that if they are stuck MGS has the means to “un-stick” them.

For further information on Marlowe Graphic Services visit the www.marlowe.co.uk web site, or call 0870 777 0920.

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StudioRIP Hails PRINT 09 Show Significant Success

Whilst the true scale of orders will certainly not be known for many months to come, one of the few British companies exhibiting in its own right at PRINT 09 in Chicago, StudioRIP UK Ltd, has heralded the event a significant success for the business.

Commenting on the show, Andy Hemmings, Sales Director for StudioRIP, said: “We were absolutely delighted with the people that we met during PRINT 09, and see the investment in our own stand was certainly money very well spent. It’s impossible to gauge at this stage exactly how many orders will be forthcoming, but we have made some excellent contacts, and have set up some potentially valuable meetings over coming weeks, where we hope to finalise a number of significant contracts.

“Our objectives were to meet up with potential dealers, distributors, and OEM partners, and from that perspective the show was a great success for us. It has to be said that there were limited numbers of end-users in attendance, and certainly some exhibitors were very disappointed with the show.”

Further details on distributor and OEM partnership arrangements are still under discussion at this point in time, but the company says that further news is anticipated in the near future. The company hopes to finalise a master distribution agreement for North America in the coming weeks.

“We were extremely busy with product demonstrations of StudioRIP,” adds Andy Hemmings. “On one day in particular we were still demonstrating when the lights were turned off at the end of business!”

About StudioRIP

StudioRIP is a software RIP compatible with PostScript Level 3 and PDF 1.6, and is designed for high performance imaging tasks, making it suitable for interfacing to a wide range of computer-to-plate systems, imagesetters, inkjet and laser printers.

Pre-press experts who would like to examine and test the performance and features of StudioRIP can download a free “demo” system of Version 3.0 by visiting the www.studiorip.co.uk web site.

One of the most exciting and unique features of the product is that it can be configured around a user’s needs, with the optional inclusion of post-RIP imposition, in-RIP trapping, ink duct control software, second order stochastic screening (hybrid AM screening included as standard), TIFF output, multiple print engine output, and digital proofing output. StudioRIP Client software can provide for remote operation of all RIP functions from any PC or Mac workstation.

StudioRIP 3.0 also includes a flexographic option, which is capable of providing 37.5 degree angles, flexo dot, dot gain, and dispro compensations. The software also provides a seamless option for flexographic plate production.

Why Does the World Need Another RIP?

Originally designed as a low cost solution to meet the needs of the second-hand imagesetter market, StudioRIP has grown to become a highly suitable alternative to mainstream RIP products for most output requirements, including computer-to-plate, all formats of imagesetter, inkjet and laser printers. Still a cost effective product, StudioRIP also offers highly productive throughput comparable with all of the competition.

One significant advantage offered by StudioRIP over the majority of competing software RIP products is the ability to include many workflow operations within the RIP architecture. Functions such as imposition and trapping can be included within StudioRIP, rather than users having to purchase separate software packages, usually at significant extra cost. StudioRIP is also “flexo friendly” with flexographic screening, distortion, and imposition features optionally available.

StudioRIP’s “Smart Screening” offers customers the very latest in hybrid screening techniques – again, without the need to buy highly priced “extra’s”. Features of the AM screening package include user selectable screen angles, and smooth gradients via the combination of 4,096 shades of grey and low pass filtering.

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TimeHarvest Launches Web-to-Print INSTANT!

TimeHarvest, the award-winning MIS system for digital print companies, has just released Web-to-Print INSTANT!, a simple on-line system designed to enable printers’ customers to order print jobs in just three clicks.

Geoff Stephens, Managing Director of TimeHarvest, said: “We’ve been studying how Web-to-Print is actually used in practice and learned that whilst there is a steady demand from professional marketeers to use fully-fledged systems, these normally require a degree of technical competence and a “digital” mindset. We’ve seen that underlying this is a substantial audience of busy people with modest technical ability who just want to order what they need then get straight back to their main job. For this group, print ordering is often just an irritation that gets in the way of completing their primary tasks and objectives.

“A perfect example of this is the training course or conference organiser, whose head is full of critical information on delegate numbers, venue logistics, special catering requirements, transport, accommodation, and many other things, for their next event. Typically, this person just wants to connect to a reliable printer, get a reasonable price for the delegate pack – surprisingly not always the cheapest! – place their order, then get straight back to dealing with the latest crisis.”

It is for this market that TimeHarvest has developed Web-to-Print INSTANT!, allowing the printers’ clients to easily browse to the relevant job (by icon AND description); get an immediate on-line price for their required quantity; then place their order in just three clicks (submission of new or amended artwork requires just two more clicks).

For existing users of TimeHarvest’s DigiQuote-PRO hosted quoting system, investment is modest at just less than £3,000 to buy or £145 per month to rent, plus a nominal monthly hosting fee, but with no transaction or “click” charges.

Summing up, Stephens comments that the beauty of the system for the printer is in its simplicity: “If customers can get what they need easily and quickly then they’ll use the system and place orders, but if there are too many barriers they’ll just pick up the phone instead, often to a competitor who hasn’t put so many obstacles in their way!”.

TimeHarvest was founded in 2003 by digital print veteran Geoff Stephens for the express purpose of developing affordable, easy-to-use software aimed squarely at users of modern digital presses. The company operates from the UK but has clients throughout Europe, North America and South Africa.

For further information visit the www.timeharvest.com web site or contact the company direct at TimeHarvest Ltd, Mill Corner, Littleworth Village, Oxford, OX33 1TR, telephone 01865 989111.

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International Dealer Manager for StudioRIP

Phil Turner, StudioRIP

UK-based independent software RIP provider StudioRIP UK Limited, Leighton Buzzard, has announced the appointment of Phil Turner as International Dealer Manager. In an early assignment, Phil will head the company’s contingent heading for PRINT 09 in the very near future.

Phil’s considerable industry experience includes sixteen years spent at Crosfield Electronics, where he held various senior positions, including Customer Services Manager for Europe, and President of Crosfield Electronics Canada. In 1993 Phil was a co-founder of Artline Solutions Ltd, and in 2003 he founded a specialist software company, Fits Distribution Ltd.

Commenting on his new role at StudioRIP, Phil Turner said: “My considerable experience in pre-press software tells me that StudioRIP is product with huge potential. I am looking forward to an exciting challenge, and believe that this software RIP offers a significant alternative to the mainstream products that currently dominate the market.”

With regard to Phil Turner’s appointment, Andy Hemmings, Sales Director for StudioRIP UK Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have somebody with Phil’s experience and industry knowledge working with us. His expertise will, we are quite sure, take StudioRIP to the next level as far as international sales are concerned. Whilst we do have dealers operating in a number of territories, I am convinced that we have only scratched the surface so far. We are looking to significantly enhance our international presence, and welcome interest from dealers worldwide.”

The current focus for the company is Version 3.0 of its StudioRIP product, which features production speeds comparable with market leaders at a fraction of the cost. Version 3.0 was released in November of last year. StudioRIP is a software RIP compatible with PostScript Level 3 and PDF 1.8, and is designed for high performance imaging tasks, making it suitable for interfacing to a wide range of computer-to-plate systems, imagesetters, direct imaging presses, inkjet and laser printers.

Pre-press experts who would like to examine and test the performance and features of StudioRIP before the show can download a free “demo” system of Version 3.0 by visiting the http://www.studiorip.co.uk/download.php web page.

One of the most exciting and unique features of the product is that it can be configured around a user’s needs, with the optional inclusion of post-RIP imposition, in-RIP trapping, ink duct control software, second order stochastic screening (hybrid AM screening included as standard), TIFF output, multiple print engine output, and digital proofing output. StudioRIP Client software can provide for remote operation of all RIP functions from any PC or Mac workstation.

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StudioRIP to Exhibit at PRINT 09

StudioRIP at PRINT 09

UK-based independent software RIP provider StudioRIP UK Limited, Leighton Buzzard, has announced that it will be exhibiting at the forthcoming PRINT 09 event taking place in Chicago from September 11 to 16. The company can be found on stand 6655 during the show.

The company will focus its exhibit on Version 3.0 of its StudioRIP product, which features production speeds comparable with market leaders at a fraction of the cost. The product was originally released in November of last year. StudioRIP is a software RIP compatible with PostScript Level 3 and PDF 1.8, and is designed for high performance imaging tasks, making it suitable for interfacing to a wide range of computer-to-plate systems, imagesetters, direct imaging presses, inkjet and laser printers.

Commenting on the decision to exhibit at PRINT 09, Andy Hemmings, Sales Director at StudioRIP, said: “We are currently looking to expand the international sales of StudioRIP, and are seeking dealers in many territories, as well as partners looking for an independent and efficient RIP solution. We believe that PRINT 09 will provide us with a great opportunity to find the right people that will take this software RIP to the next level as far as worldwide sales are concerned.”

Pre-press experts who would like to examine and test the performance and features of StudioRIP before the show can download a free “demo” system of Version 3.0 by visiting the http://www.studiorip.co.uk/download.php web page.

One of the most exciting and unique features of the product is that it can be configured around a user’s needs, with the optional inclusion of post-RIP imposition, in-RIP trapping, ink duct control software, second order stochastic screening (hybrid AM screening included as standard), TIFF output, multiple print engine output, and digital proofing output. StudioRIP Client software can provide for remote operation of all RIP functions from any PC or Mac workstation.

About StudioRIP

StudioRIP is a software RIP compatible with PostScript Level 3 and PDF 1.8, and is designed for high performance imaging tasks, making it suitable for interfacing to a wide range of computer-to-plate systems, imagesetters, direct imaging presses, inkjet and laser printers.

Pre-press experts who would like to examine and test the performance and features of StudioRIP can download a free “demo” system of Version 3.0 by visiting the www.studiorip.co.uk web site.

One of the most exciting and unique features of the product is that it can be configured around a user’s needs, with the optional inclusion of post-RIP imposition, in-RIP trapping, ink duct control software, second order stochastic screening (hybrid AM screening included as standard), TIFF output, multiple print engine output, and digital proofing output. StudioRIP Client software can provide for remote operation of all RIP functions from any PC or Mac workstation.

StudioRIP 3.0 also includes a flexographic option, which is capable of providing 37.5 degree angles, flexo dot, dot gain, and dispro compensations. The software also provides a seamless option for flexographic plate production.

ENDS

Low-Chemistry Plates for Arlon Printers

Richard Cockerill, Director, Arlon Printers

Arlon Printers Ltd, Hemel Hempstead, has made a significant environmental statement by becoming one of the first UK printers to adopt the new Brillia HD PRO-V low-chemistry plate from Fujifilm. The plates are being used in conjunction with a Screen Plate Rite 2055vi platesetter, and both plates and computer-to-plate device have been purchased through Apex Digital Graphics, Hemel Hempstead.

Commenting on the new plate production solution, Richard Cockerill, Director of Arlon Printers, said: “Our previous system – a Screen 1050 using Agfa LAP-R plates – had performed exceptionally well for us for 10 years. Unfortunately Agfa has decided to stop the manufacture of the plates, hence our need to seek a new solution. We had been very impressed with the Screen hardware, and we knew that Apex, our near neighbours in Hemel Hempstead, were distributors for their products. Apex was able to demonstrate the latest Screen CtP product to us, and recommended the Fujifilm PRO-V plates, as they offered an extremely “green”, environmentally friendly plate which fitted our needs. Our use of chemistry has now been virtually eliminated, which is a great environmental message to send to our customers.”

The Brillia HD PRO-V plate combines the benefits of low-chemistry CtP with the proven low cost of ownership of violet imaging, bringing unmatched quality, consistency and productivity to plate production. On press the plate benefits from Fujifilm’s patented MultiGrain technology, ensuring optimum ink/water balance and advanced handling performance.

With regard to the performance of the plate in the press room, David Cockerill, fellow Director of Arlon Printers, added: “They have been superb on the presses – they ink up quickly and we have yet to find any limitation with regard to run-length.” The company run two Komori presses – one four and one five-colour.

“We were both very impressed by the team at Apex Digital Graphics. As our pre-press operation is on the upper floor of our building, they had to arrange for a window to be removed in order to crane the CtP machine in, but everything went very smoothly, and they have been a very professional partner to work with,” added Richard Cockerill.

Established in 1966 by brothers Richard and David Cockerill, Arlon Printers has established a reputation for high-quality colour printing in the general commercial environment. With a turnover in excess of £1 million, the company is able to handle print projects through from initial graphic design to in-house finishing and delivery.

Commenting on the installation on behalf of Apex Digital Graphics, Joint Managing Director Bob Usher, said: “Arlon Printing is our first customer for the new Brillia HD PRO-V plates. The new Fujifilm plate offers significant benefits to the printer from both an environmental perspective and the convenience offered in day-to-day production. With significantly less chemistry involved in plate creation the printer has to order, store and dispose of less product. The processing device also has a smaller footprint, meaning less space is required for the whole platesetter unit.”

Apex Digital Graphics can be contacted on 01442 235 236 or via the www.apexdigital.co.uk web site.

For further information on Arlon Printers call 01442 243 719 or visit the www.arlonprint.co.uk web site.

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Able-Labels Further Enabled with StudioRIP Install

Able-Labels, Earls Barton, Northampton, leaders in the production of printed self-adhesive address labels and other personalised goods since 1954, has announced details regarding the purchase of StudioRIP to enhance the company’s pre-press department. The software package was purchased through leading StudioRIP dealer Marlowe Graphic Services, Leighton Buzzard.

Labels for reel-fed production, rubber stamps, fabric markers, and golf tee’s are all produced by Able-Labels using flexographic printing plates. Origination for these plates requires the production of films using an imagesetter. A recent upgrade of the Apple front-end equipment and associated software packages at Able-Labels led to issues with the aging RIP on its Agfa AccuSet 800 imagesetting system, and support specialists Marlowe Graphic Services (MGS) were called for advice.

“Once the service experts at MGS looked at the system they could immediately see that our RIP was not sufficiently up-to-date to work with the latest front-end software,” said Tina Willson, Office Manager at the Earls Barton site. “The most cost effective solution was to change the RIP for a StudioRIP, which solved the problem.”

As well as producing films for flexographic work, the imagesetter acts as a reliable back-up for the company’s computer-to-plate system. “We had only installed the StudioRIP for a week when our CtP system developed a problem, and we had to revert to film production for all of our work,” added Tina Willson.

Commenting on the installation for MGS, Managing Director Darren Eliot said: “The situation at Able-Labels was not uncommon – company’s update their front-end systems, but don’t always realise that this has a knock-on effect for older RIP’s, as they are typically not PostScript 3 compliant. StudioRIP is suitable to work with the very latest software products, as well as a wide range of existing imagesetter products, computer-to-plate systems, proofers, and large format imaging devices, and is often the ideal solution to such problems.”

Able-Labels handles between 2,000 and 3,500 jobs every week, and its offering covers a constantly expanding 850 products, details of which can be found at its www.able-labels.co.uk web site. The company deals with some 92,000 regular customers.

For further information on Marlowe Graphic Services visit the www.marlowe.co.uk web site, or call 0870 777 0920.

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Wren Press Adds StudioRIP for Film Creation

Wren Press, London, England’s finest private stationers, has added a new StudioRIP solution to extend the life of its existing Linotronic 330 imagesetter. The product was placed at Wren Press by Ripware, a dealer for the UK-based independent software RIP provider StudioRIP UK Limited, Leighton Buzzard.

Commenting on the installation, Paul Foster, Managing Director of Ripware, said: “Whilst Wren Press utilises CtP equipment for much of its output, film is still essential for the creation of engraving and embossing work. The StudioRIP solution updates the ageing Linotype Rip 50, giving Wren Press significant savings in day-to-day operation as well as enhanced productivity.”

Adding the users perspective to the new install, Daniel Jones, Managing Director at Wren Press said: “The first thing that has made a big difference is the preview system – that enables us to save time, to save film, and, therefore to save money. By being able to spot any errors before we commit to film and plates – errors that often don’t surface until the job is on the press – we are now much more efficient. The StudioRIP preview even highlights moiré issues on screen – problems that we would not have been able to see on the films.”

Daniel was also been impressed by the “Save Film” feature, where individual jobs can be ganged up prior to output. He estimates that this is already reducing film costs by as much as 50%, plus associated savings on processor chemistry.

The Wren Press, with offices in London and New York, is an established family business offering a comprehensive range of diverse print services. The company is regarded as England’s leading specialist in this field, producing high quality bespoke invitations for weddings, parties, christenings, and bar mitzvahs; personal and business writing paper; and many other items of print based stationery.

Further expansion of the new StudioRIP solution is already under consideration, with the ability to drive multiple output devices being something that has an appeal at Wren Press.

In terms of support for the software product, Daniel Jones has already been impressed by StudioRIP’s on-line help desk: “It’s a huge bonus to have such easily accessible support. If there is something that we can’t solve here, we can call StudioRIP, they then take over our machine remotely and resolve the issue.”

About StudioRIP

StudioRIP is a software RIP compatible with PostScript Level 3 and PDF 1.6, and is designed for high performance imaging tasks, making it suitable for interfacing to a wide range of computer-to-plate systems, imagesetters, inkjet and laser printers.

Pre-press experts who would like to examine and test the performance and features of StudioRIP can download a free “demo” system of Version 3.0 by visiting the www.studiorip.co.uk web site.

One of the most exciting and unique features of the product is that it can be configured around a user’s needs, with the optional inclusion of post-RIP imposition, in-RIP trapping, ink duct control software, second order stochastic screening (hybrid AM screening included as standard), TIFF output, multiple print engine output, and digital proofing output. StudioRIP Client software can provide for remote operation of all RIP functions from any PC or Mac workstation.

StudioRIP 3.0 also includes a flexographic option, which is capable of providing 37.5 degree angles, flexo dot, dot gain, and dispro compensations. The software also provides a seamless option for flexographic plate production.

For further information on Wren Press call 020 7351 5887; for further information on Ripware, the StudioRIP dealer, call 01483 578 618 or 07808 579 918.

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Troika AniCAM: an Anilox QC Tool for Litho Printers?

Troika Systems Limited, Highworth, a UK company at the forefront of innovative development for print-based quality control products, has detailed how the recent release of its significantly enhanced AniCAM-P product, an in-depth measurement tool for anilox rolls used on narrow and wide web and corrugated flexo presses, can also provide great assistance for very many litho printers.

Whilst AniCAM-P is being targeted initially at the flexographic printing sector, many lithographic printers may also find significant benefits from the product. The majority of high-performance coating units on litho presses are based on a flexographic printing unit. Printers with a keen eye for the quality and consistency of coating should be regularly measuring the anilox volume laterally and managing their roll inventory to ensure optimum performance.

In addition to this a number of recent press introductions, including the Heidelberg Anicolor and KBA’s Cortina, Karat and Rapida G machines, incorporate anilox rollers within their inking system. “Such developments need a quality control solution, and AniCAM-P offers the ability to measure the important detail on such machines,” said Phil Hall, Managing Director of Troika Systems.

“Delivering consistent, quality coating on a litho press with a modern coating unit requires a reasonable level of flexographic process understanding,” said Phil Hall. “Poor cleaning and maintenance of the anilox roll within a coating unit will significantly impair its performance, and subsequently the quality of coating produced by the machine. Errors introduced to a job at the coating stage, when the job is virtually complete, can be the most costly of all. At the very least, machine manufacturers technical staff should be equipped with an AniCAM-P in order to aid efficient fault finding.”

For presses utilising anilox rolls within the inking system, Phil Hall sees the AniCAM-P as essential tool for the printer to maintain quality. “Whilst it is a litho system that is delivering the ink to the substrate, any company working with a machine that utilises an anilox roll for inking needs to understand the potential problems of this component. Poor cleaning – which can occur even when using an automated cleaning system – can lead to a build up of ink within the anilox cell, thus reducing its capacity to transfer ink effectively. Unless the printer or his engineer understands these potential problems, and is equipped to test for such errors, they could be spending an awful lot of time and money searching for a solution to an ink density problem in all of the wrong places.”

AniCAM-P for Printers

Effective anilox roll management has the potential to save a litho or flexo printer a significant amount of press downtime, plus the real-world costs incurred in reprinting a job that was virtually complete. Measuring and archiving volume readings for each roll helps to monitor cleaning issues as well as wear of the roll – both major causes of press downtime. By reducing flexo machine downtime by just 2% the owner of three presses running double-day shift could save over €300,000 over a three year period – significantly more than the €10,350 investment that would be required to purchase the AniCAM-P. Similar savings can be expected in busy litho print businesses where anilox rolls are employed within the press inking system.

For further information on Troika Systems quality control products visit the www.troika-systems.com web site.

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New AniCAM Set to Optimise Press Up-Time

Troika Systems Limited, Highworth, a UK company at the forefront of innovative development for print-based quality control products, has announced the release of a significant enhancement to its AniCAM product, an in-depth measurement tool for anilox rolls used on narrow and wide web and corrugated flexo presses.

Good anilox roll maintenance, measurement and management lies at the heart of what flexo printers require to ensure the minimum of press downtime. To date there has been no really effective product to help printers to solve these issues. “Most flexo printers know that good anilox measurement and management is the logical move towards a healthier balance sheet,” said Phil Hall. “Poor management of a printer’s anilox inventory is a guaranteed way to increase press downtime. A significant percentage of print problems in the flexo sector are down to anilox roll issues, and with press time costing typically 400 Euro’s per hour, it doesn’t take too many anilox problems causing density variations or job re-runs to show how cost effective an investment in anilox measurement and management with an AniCAM can be.”

The latest enhancement has led to the company releasing two versions of the specialist camera-based unit, AniCAM-P and AniCAM-M. The two new variants are targeted at specific markets – AniCAM-P for flexographic print producers and AniCAM-M for anilox roll manufacturers. “Our research and our experiences with the first generation of AniCAM product has shown us that the requirements of anilox manufacturers differ slightly from printers needs,” said Phil Hall, Managing Director of Troika Systems.

With regard to the anilox roll manufacturers, Troika already has 19 of the 40+ suppliers worldwide using its AniCAM products. The new AniCAM-M product provides many additional features, including the ability to read more complex engravings such as trihelical, emerald and HVP, as well as “Press-O-Film” aluminium foil cell profiling materials.

No Worldwide Standard

“Perhaps the most significant enhancement for manufacturers, however, is our ability to be compatible with their current system of measurement,” states Phil Hall. To explain this statement one needs to appreciate that there is no universal system for measuring anilox rolls. Manufacturers have historically developed their own standards. Phil Hall explains further: “As the number of anilox manufacturers grew over time, so anilox measurement evolved. Each manufacturer adopted the method of measurement they knew best and could afford. Consequently there is often a large difference in ink released from rolls from different manufacturers, despite the rolls being marked up as having the same volume.”

Troika conducted its own research into these issues back in 2007. It took an anilox roll with 12 bands (from 40 lpcm – 480 lpcm) to 15 anilox manufacturers in Europe and North America where the manufactures were asked to measure the bands using their standard method of measurement. “The results were stunning. We found the minimum variation on one of the bands was 27% and the most extreme band had a 141% volume variation,” explains Phil Hall. “This makes life particularly difficult for the manufacturer of anilox volume measurement tools, as each anilox manufacturer will, of course, defend its own standard of measurement and will not want to change the standard which they may have used over the past 5, 10 or 15 years. Our solution is to calibrate the new AniCAM-M to translate readings to any manufacturer’s standard. This means that roll suppliers can either translate AniCAM readings to their own internal system, or use our standard readings. This will help us to overcome a major objection.”

AniCAM-P for Printers

Effective anilox roll management has the potential to save a flexo printer a significant amount of press downtime. Measuring and archiving volume readings for each roll helps to monitor cleaning issues as well as wear of the roll – both major causes of press downtime. By reducing machine downtime by just 2% the owner of three presses running double-day shift could save over €300,000 over a three year period – significantly more than the €10,350 investment that would be required to purchase the AniCAM-P.

“We currently have in excess of 150 installations of our original AniCAM products, and believe that our new enhanced system will appeal to a good number of new customers,” said Phil Hall. “The important thing for the printer is to take the guesswork out of problem situations. If you know that the anilox is doing what it should do, then that reduces the potential problem areas within the press significantly. Certainly printers that are already using the original AniCAM product appreciate the savings that they have been able to make, and the more efficient printing service that they have been able to provide for their customers.”

Wider Market

Whilst AniCAM-P will be targeted initially at the flexographic printing sector, many lithographic printers may also find a need for this solution. The majority of high-performance coating units on litho presses are based on a flexo printing system. Printings with a keen eye for the quality and consistency of coating should be measuring their anilox rolls. In addition to this a number of recent press introductions, including the Heidelberg Anicolor and KBA’s Cortina, Karat and Rapida G machines, incorporate anilox rollers within their inking system. “Such developments need a quality control solution, and AniCAM-P offers the ability to measure the important detail on such machines,” concluded Phil Hall.

For further information on Troika Systems quality control products visit the www.troika-systems.com web site.

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StudioRIP Develops Screen Printing Breakthrough

UK-based independent software RIP provider StudioRIP UK Limited, Leighton Buzzard, has announced details of a new variant of its recently released Version 3.0 StudioRIP product that has been specifically designed for the screen printing sector.

Linked with this development is a European distribution agreement with Italian screen printing specialist Grafco srl. The product, engineered by the StudioRIP team, will be branded by Grafco as Xerio RIP.

The new Xerio RIP product is already being described by screen printing experts as the “missing link” that will enable screen printers to properly utilise the potential of stochastic screening.

At the heart of Xerio RIP, the StudioRIP software RIP is compatible with PostScript Level 3 and PDF 1.6, and is designed for high performance imaging tasks, making it suitable for interfacing to a wide range of computer-to-plate systems, imagesetters, inkjet and laser printers.

“Our friends at Grafco in Italy – specialists in the screen printing market – saw StudioRIP in action and liked the way that the product worked. They asked if we could create a version for them specifically tailored to the needs of the screen printing market, including taking mesh frequencies into account as well as standard screen frequencies, and we have developed an OEM product for them. Xerio RIP incorporates Grafco’s screen printing knowledge with our RIP building knowledge,” said Andy Hemmings, Sales Director of StudioRIP UK.

Three versions of the Xerio RIP software will be available: START, PRO and MASTER.

Grafco, based in Treviso, Italy, is well known throughout Europe as a leading supplier of ink and equipment for silk screening onto textiles. Grafco srl will be appointing sub-dealers for the Xerio RIP product throughout Europe. Prospective UK representatives can either contact Grafco direct, via the www.grafco.it web site, or call StudioRIP directly on 01759 304 333.

Summary of StudioRIP Product:

Why Does the World Need Another RIP?

Originally designed as a low cost solution to meet the needs of the second-hand imagesetter market, StudioRIP has grown to become a highly suitable alternative to mainstream RIP products for most output requirements, including computer-to-plate, all formats of imagesetter, inkjet and laser printers. Still a cost effective product, StudioRIP also offers highly productive throughput comparable with all of the competition.

One significant advantage offered by StudioRIP over the majority of competing software RIP products is the ability to include many workflow operations within the RIP architecture. Functions such as imposition and trapping can be included within StudioRIP, rather than users having to purchase separate software packages, usually at significant extra cost. StudioRIP is also “flexo friendly” with flexographic screening, distortion, and imposition features optionally available.

One of the most exciting and unique features of the product is that it can be configured around a user’s needs, with the optional inclusion of post-RIP imposition, in-RIP trapping, ink duct control software, second order stochastic screening (hybrid AM screening included as standard), TIFF output, multiple print engine output, and digital proofing output. StudioRIP Client software can provide for remote operation of all RIP functions from any PC or Mac workstation.

StudioRIP’s “Smart Screening” offers customers the very latest in hybrid screening techniques – again, without the need to buy highly priced “extra’s”. Features of the AM screening package include user selectable screen angles, and smooth gradients via the combination of 4,096 shades of grey and low pass filtering.

StudioRIP 3.0 also includes a flexographic option, which is capable of providing 37.5 degree angles, flexo dot, dot gain, and dispro compensations. The software also provides a seamless option for flexographic sleeve production.

Pre-press experts who would like to examine and test the performance and features of StudioRIP can download a free “demo” system of Version 3.0 by visiting the www.studiorip.co.uk web site.

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MGS: Pre-Press Growth in a Recession

Darren Eliot, MD of MGS

Marlowe Graphic Services Ltd (MGS), Leighton Buzzard, the UK’s leading independent pre-press service and maintenance company, has recorded significant growth in its business during the recent recessionary months.

Darren Eliot, Managing Director of MGS, said: “We have been delighted with the additional business that has been coming our way in recent months. Whilst all suppliers have recognised that companies are shying away from making significant investments in new equipment, the flip side to that coin is that they are having to spend money on maintaining or improving their current pre-press set-up, and that’s where MGS comes in.”

The company works with customers in all sectors, including major newspaper and magazine businesses, right through to commercial print operations.

“The justification in making a £60 or £70,000 “new equipment” purchase is certainly difficult for many companies – whether that is justifying the need to a bank or to fellow directors. Upgrading existing platemaking equipment to work with a new plate technology, or adding new software to make a workflow more efficient, are significantly less expensive routes, far easier to justify, and usually highly productive.

“Pre-owned equipment, upgraded or updated by MGS, is also a popular purchase right now. We recently supplied a CtP solution to an envelope printing company that have themselves recently seen an increase in demand. We examined their current requirements and also received their thoughts regarding projected growth over the next few years. We presented them with a solution that will more than accommodate them today, but more importantly will be able to grow with them. We also demonstrated a route for them to move to a processless solution with the equipment we supplied once the plates become readily available. This solution, including an up-to-date RIP, installation and warranty was put in for less than £10k.

“People contact MGS because they know that we will not try to sell them something that they don’t need. If they want to retain their existing equipment, we can support them. If they want to upgrade their existing solution, we can offer them alternatives. If they do want a complete new systems, we can also offer impartial advice on both pre-owned and new solutions,” added Darren Eliot.

The company expects to announce the appointment of two further service technicians in the near future in order to handle the additional demand currently being experienced.

About the Marlowe Graphic Services

Marlowe Graphic Services are the UK’s premier independent pre-press specialist, providing service, parts and technical support for a wide range of graphic arts equipment. The company’s service offering is unique in that not only does it supply, integrated and service third-party equipment but it also has its own team of in-house software and hardware specialists, which means that if a solution doesn’t exist MGS will simply make it!

Customers range from multi-national magazine and newspaper publishers, to fine-art printers, book printers and general commercial print suppliers. In short, print businesses of all shapes and sizes, being looked after by MGS’s team of factory-trained engineers, covering the whole of the UK.

The MGS web site has been designed to complement the range of individual services that the company currently offers, all uniquely supported by MGS’s own staff. Customers like the MGS approach, as they are not making important purchasing decisions via a faceless computer, or even worse, an overseas call centre. They know that if they are stuck MGS has the means to “un-stick” them.

For further information on Marlowe Graphic Services visit the www.marlowe.co.uk web site, or call 0870 777 0920.

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