Ray Stafrace, owner of the Melbourne-based print shop, told ProPrint that combining the two presses would result in far less downtime and much quicker run rates.

A job that currently takes four days could only take two, he said.

The company paid $220,000 for the SX 52 at Drupa after considering four other models, said Stafrace. He would not be drawn on the price of the SM 52.

He went with Heidelberg after having been pleased with the manufacturer’s quality and service over JP Printing’s 42-year history.

“We’ve got a few clients that expect the same results all the time. I’m not saying it can’t be achieved with other presses, but do you take the chance?”

Stafrace got “an offer I couldn’t refuse” for the five-colour Speedmaster 52, which will replace a five-year old four-colour Printmaster. He said it would allow JP Printing to do spot colours and varnish, which is “something our customers have been asking for”.

In 2011, the seven-person outfit moved to an 1,100sqm facility in Campbellfield from a 290sqm site in Reservoir it had occupied for 30 years. The aim was to gain more floor space and present a more modern image to corporate clients.

“The timing was right for us to also purchase new equipment,” said Stafrace. “I’m always out there in the market seeing what’s available.”

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