GBP2m KBA Deal Ends 36-Year Heidelberg Dominance

Arkle Print has bought the GBP2 million KBA Rapida 105 long perfector press that is the centrepiece of KBA's stand at Ipex, which is currently being staged.

Arkle Print, the Northampton (UK) commercial colour printer has bought the GBP2 million KBA Rapida 105 long perfector press that is the centrepiece of KBA's stand at Ipex, which is currently being staged.

KBA UK said the the deal is a coup as it overturns the exclusive 36-year dominance of Heidelberg equipment at Arkle Print.

The printer is planning to use the press to attack the quality market and it is inviting customers and prospects to two champagne reception 'master class' sessions at Ipex, when the abilities of the press will be demonstrated.

The first receptions was held on April 6, with a second one to follow on April 11 on the KBA stand - B60/B70 in hall 4.

Chris Hodgson, Arkle Print's sales and marketing director, said: "This is a very much a natural development for Arkle Print, around 60 per cent of our current customer base has an existing requirement for multi-colour perfecting.

We would anticipate being more competitive with our regular clients.

In addition we have identified and marketed two or three new business sectors where the new KBA long perfector will be key.

We are looking forward to new opportunities.

The new press, which will be delivered to Arkle Print's factory immediately after Ipex, is one of the highest specification machines to leave the KBA Radebeul sheetfed plant, said the company.

The Rapida 105 10-unit perfector is equipped with Logotronic Professional workflow, Densitronic S colour management, ink temperature control, PIAB air system and Contemp cooling equipment.

The press will be one of KBA's no-sidelay Rapidas, which were unveiled at Drupa 2004 and from day one next year, the five-over-five machine will print alcohol-free.

KBA UK said that the order is a particular coup as, since its foundation in 1970, Arkle Print has been a Heidelberg house with Heidelberg B1 and B2 presses and exclusively Heidelberg equipment in its finishing department.

Arkle Print's works manager Paul Knighton explained the decision to switch to KBA: "We think the Rapida is a better press than today's Speedmaster.

We like the Rapida's seven o'clock cylinder configuration, the blanket and cylinder wash system, the build quality and we are impressed with KBA's environmental features and with the innovation their presses bring to the market.

And Arkle's managing director Tony Lawson set out his company's philosophy: "This is a big investment in our future.

Arkle Print has a reputation as quick turn-around quality printer and we believe the new press will help us develop those strengths.

People trust us because we make the business of servicing print as easy as possible.

If it's got to be there and it's got to be right they choose Arkle Print.

He added: "The new KBA press is one way we can grow the business and, we believe, produce work more efficiently.

Print has become a commodity.

You have got to perfect to survive, you've got to achieve what you want with one pass through the press or you won't be able to compete.

Arkle Print is today an 80-employee, GBP7 million turnover company, operating from 26,000 square foot premises at Round Spinney, Northampton, with customers such as Norwich Union, Avon Cosmetics, The Body Shop and NHBC.

The business is owned by the four directors - Tony Lawson, Dick Kent, Andy Bradshaw and Chris Hodgson.

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