PS2 Print, formerly PS2 Digital, is to be the first company in the UK to take delivery of the brand new Speedmaster SX technology. 

The Runcorn company has not only rebranded but undertaken a complete strategic re-think which is resulting in it investing in the very latest Speedmaster SX 74-5 and an additional wide format machine. PS2 has also just attained ISO 9001 quality and ISO 14001 environmental accreditation. 

The Speedmaster SX, which will be shown for the first time at drupa in May, benefits from some technology migration from the market leading Speedmaster XL series. The Speedmaster SX will be positioned as the "professional class" range, and the B2 version that PS2 Print is taking is a 15,000sph machine with very fast makeready times resulting from the use of Autoplate in combination with Intellistart press software as well as enhanced wash up facilities that reduce downtime. The innovation transfer achieved by combining the innovative and pioneering technology of the Speedmaster XL series with the successful platform of the Speedmaster SM 74 enables the Speedmaster SX 74 to boost productivity significantly. 

PS2 Print has a record of taking innovative new products and being unafraid to tackle change. Established in 1996 as a repro company, PS2 Print experienced the rapid decline in digital film output and were quick to move into digital print with the purchase of a Xeikon press. Although recognised mainly for its digital printing capability, PS2 has for a number of years produced litho print. In 2002 the company invested in a Heidelberg Direct Imaging press before moving on to the Printmaster PM 52 which managing director Simon Langford describes as "a cracking machine". The pressroom is also equipped with two Polar cutters, a 66 and a 78 model.

Now PS2 Print wants to make its debut in B2 litho. Both the previous investments have enabled the company to expand with the help of its existing customers and it seemed logical to take the next step forward with an investment in the Speedmaster SX 74-5. "Many of our existing customers produce B2 work and we feel we can enter this market with some confidence and promote ourselves successfully as a truly one stop shop with excellent digital, litho and wide format facilities able to handle different formats, run lengths and products from a simple A4 leaflet through to point of sale material, even printing on slate and other unusual substrates," says Simon Langford. 

The company looked at an alternative litho press supplier but returned to Heidelberg knowing that the machine is reliable, competitively priced, has market-leading after sales service and back up and will have a good retained value. The five-colour press was commissioned in March 2012. 

"All our operators are litho trained and will undergo onsite Heidelberg training with the new press. There is a good atmosphere here as we move the business forward and rebrand using a home produced new logo, making the most of our creative roots," says Simon Langford.