Inkjet & Digital Printing
CPI announces UKs first HP 350 inkjet press
Friday 25. March 2011 - CPI Antony Rowe, the digital division of CPI UK, has announced plans for the UKs first HP 350 inkjet press.
The new digital press will form part of what the company believes will be the UKs most technologically advanced digital book production facility, with production integrated from paper reel to book block. It will be installed at the groups Chippenham site later this year.
The project, branded CPI Quantum, represents the fifth HP press to be commissioned by the European CPI group, following over 18 months of successful operation on the continent.
Ralph Bell, chief operating officer of the companys digital division, comments: “This technology is specifically designed to meet the demands of our publishing customers for efficiency at shorter run lengths, while retaining the highest quality standards”.
CPIs investment in the HP press represents a further move by the UKs largest book manufacturer into the digital arena, following the purchase of two Xerox web presses in 2008. The inkjet investment will be complemented next month with the installation of an Indigo 7500 colour press and new laminator to meet the increased demand for shorter run cover printing. A new casing in line and binding line will complete the investment, part of a £22 million three year programme, aimed at retaining CPI Antony Rowes position as UK market leader for short run book manufacturing.
CPI UK is confident it has chosen the right partner in HP for the next stage of its digital future. Bell continues: “We discussed our key requirements with all the main equipment manufacturers. Whilst most of our needs could be met, it was only really HP which could give us what we really wanted. HP will help us to meet our customers demands today, and realise exciting new market opportunities tomorrow”.
Digital expansion has gathered pace at CPI over recent months. Last autumn the company launched its worldwide alliance, gps Global Print Solutions, and its e-book conversion service is expanding rapidly. Bell concludes: “The digital investment we are announcing today means we are well placed to continue the growth of the business and meet the needs of an ever changing and discerning publishing world.”