Lauren Displays Goes Large with KBA
6 Oct 2007
Aylesford, Kent-based large format and point-of-sale specialists Lauren Displays Limited has announced the installation of a large format four-colour KBA 162A litho press, providing a facility for the production of poster work and high volume point-of-sale projects. The press was purchased through the used equipment specialist DPM....
Geoff Rawlings, the recently appointed Sales Director of Lauren Displays, said: “The installation of the KBA completes the current line-up of equipment here at Lauren Displays, ensuring that we have a complete package of tools to produce the widest possible range of large format and point-of-sale material.”
The press provides for a printing format of up to 1620 x 1200mm. The fully-automatic plate loading system on the press helps to ensure fast make-ready, with thermal plates produced digitally on Creo Trendsetter VLF.
Commenting on the purchase of the machine, Geoff Rawlings added: “We knew of DPM’s excellent reputation for providing quality used machinery. Having reached a decision to purchase a large format litho press, DPM seemed like the logical option to ensure that we could get the equipment in quickly.
“Purchasing a new machine through the manufacturer would probably have meant a 12 month wait, and would also have probably cost us almost twice what we paid for this 1997 model, which came out of a Scandinavian print business.”
Mark Sheldrick, managing director of DPM, said: “Lauren came to us by recommendation which is always a good first step. We have been training our engineers with the help of KBA UK and had completed our first 162 installation overseas at the point Lauren called. We located a low mileage machine and involved the local Scandinavian KBA agent in dismantling and loading. The installation at Lauren has been text book in our eyes.
“KBA is a developing force in the commercial sector but has been strong in the large format business for many years. We can now install, guarantee and service KBA’s and do so with the support & encouragement of KBA UK – which always helps,” he added.
The press installation comes after further recent investments at Lauren Displays, including an Inca Colombia large format ink-jet system and a Lintec letterpress label machine. The KBA joins an existing B1 format Heidelberg sheet-fed litho press.
“The press has already allowed us to produce jobs in-house that we would never have been able to print before,” said managing director Tony Gray. “For example, we litho printed a job on fluted board recently, which is something that we would have had to screen print before.”
Established in 1984, Lauren Displays offers a full range of screen, litho and digital print production, including a full in-house pre-press department and finishing capabilities from its 45,000 sq ft Quarry Wood Industrial Estate premises in Aylesford, Kent. The company employs 46 personnel.
Press supplier DPM handles used equipment from all major manufacturers, including Heidelberg, Komori, KBA, Roland and Mitsubishi. DPM’s company philosophy is based on quality, integrity and above all, honesty.
The aim of the company is to be recognised as the best supplier in the used machinery sector, and believe that this can only be achieved by conducting successful business over a long period of time and in all sectors of the market.
DPM’s experienced sales team have close contact with many companies worldwide meaning that they are often the first to hear of equipment when it becomes available. They use a purpose built computer system developed to search and locate equipment within minutes of receiving an enquiry. The system is updated hourly with new items and currently has over 20,000 products available worldwide.
For further details on Lauren Displays visit www.laurendisplays.co.uk or call 01622 718 822.