Micropress has expanded its digital inkjet capability with the installation of the UK’s first Heidelberg Jetfire 50. The investment reinforces its commitment to innovation and investment in next-generation printing technology, said the company.

“We first invested in inkjet technology at the start of 2024, and it has proved extremely successful for us,” said Rob Cross, joint managing director at Micropress. “In fact, we’ve now reached capacity. We needed an additional machine to cope with growing demand, and the Jetfire 50 fits that need perfectly.”

After evaluating several leading suppliers, Micropress selected Heidelberg based on a mix of technology, reliability, and service. “It was a very competitive process,” explained Mr Cross. “We have excellent relationships with all our existing partners who do a great job for us. But this time, Heidelberg came up with a package that really ticked all the boxes.”

The Jetfire 50, part of Heidelberg’s latest generation of inkjet systems, integrates with the Prinect portal to streamline workflow automation and deliver high-speed, high-quality results. “We know the technology, and it’s proven,” said Mr Cross. “Heidelberg are also a key partner to our business – their service track record speaks for itself.”

Mr Cross said the new addition has been welcomed enthusiastically by the production team. “Our staff are very open to change – we invest regularly in new equipment – but this one was especially well received. The digital inkjet area had become a bottleneck, so this investment directly helps the team. There’s also genuine excitement about being early adopters of the Jetfire 50 and pride in being the first UK business to bring it online.”

While litho remains central to Micropress’s operation, demand for shorter-run, high-quality work continues to rise. “The Jetfire 50 gives us the ideal solution in that space. It means we can now offer the right price, quality, and turnaround for every type of job.”

The new press will also support the launch of Press Print, Micropress’s forthcoming online print platform aimed at attracting new customers seeking fast, professional print ordering. “It’s a big step forward for us – a new channel that makes it easier for customers to order what they need, when they need it,” said Mr Cross.

Founded in 1974 and based in Suffolk, Micropress is one of the UK’s largest independent commercial printers, combining family business values with ongoing investment in technology.