Fourth-generation family-run packaging specialist Leyprint is targeting 10.5 per cent year-on-year growth following its investment in a B1 (41in) KBA Rapida. The £4.5m ($7.1m) turnover operation, based in Leyland, Lancashire, replaced two B1 Komori presses with the six-colour plus coater Rapida 105 at the end of last year.

Leyprint managing director Edward Mould explains: “There has been a dramatic shift in the market and we needed to be very responsive to the demand for shorter runs and faster turnaround times. We have also experienced a strong increase in workload as a result of a competitor exiting the market and want to be in the best position possible to make the most of the opportunity.”

The decision for the new B1 Rapida will also help Leyprint attain ISO12647-2: “The colour management standard is something we are working towards and the new press is key to that,” adds Mould.

Equipped with extended delivery and semi-automatic plate changing, the B1 press will run both UV and conventional inks which enables the operation to switch easily to handle a wider mix of jobs. “We need UV drying for our worldwide telecoms accounts but not always for other jobs. We also have to be able to run low-migration inks and the ability to swap easily is very important.”

KBA's CX package for handling a range of substrate thicknesses was also important, explains Mould: “We are able to produce work for the high-end flute market so that allows us to target a different type of work.”

On the factors that influenced their final decision Mould states: “We did look at a lot of other presses but they didn't offer the flexibility and fast changeovers. The Rapida was the best fit for our business; it is the more versatile option.”

As well as the press's performance, the relationship with KBA also proved vital. “When we first started talking to all the press manufacturers, we were looking at large-format presses, but they highlighted the flexibility that B1 could offer considering our needs today. The relationship with KBA continued to evolve and we were extremely impressed by their team's professionalism and willingness to get involved with our whole business strategy. From their perspective, they were aware of the bigger picture and we feel sure that their input will help us in our expectation of achieving 10.5 per cent year-on-year growth.”