Printshop Direct Image buys UK's first Hans Gronhi GH525

The six-staff business installed the five-colour press, supplied by Printers Superstore, at its new purpose-built 278sqm facility.

According to managing director John Boggis, the press offered both turnaround and quality at a lower investment cost than other machines on the market.

He said: "We looked at the Hans Gronhi machine because of the price, but we bought it because of the quality.

"For that kind of money you expect something flimsy, but it's built like a tank. It's the heaviest machine in its class, and absolutely solid."

The company, which was established in 1998, deals with a variety of blue-chip and agency clients producing stationery, direct mail and corporate materials.

In addition to the GH525, which replaces an outgoing Ryobi machine, the business runs kit that includes a Ryobi four-colour and DPX polyester platesetters. 

"The Hans Gronhi has made a really big impact on the company and it's around a third quicker than what we could do before," Boggis added.

He said: "In this market we are competing against digital, so we have to maintain an edge in print quality, but fast turnround times are also vital."

Despite being the UK's first, Printers Superstore joint managing director Graham Moorby said he was confident that Hans Gronhi would become a major force in the UK offset press market.
 
"These machines are such an attractive proposition, we have a good case to expect them to dominate the B3 offset market and make an impact on larger formats too."