Inkjet & Digital Printing

Anton Group Demonstrates Commitment to KODAK Stream Inkjet Technology with Multimillion-Pound Deal

Monday 29. October 2012 - Successful cooperation between the two companies drives development of game-changing, hybrid printing solutions for direct mail applications

The Anton Group in Laindon, Essex, U.K., has invested in 18 KODAK PROSPER S5 Imprinting Systems and two KODAK NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Presses equipped with KODAK NEXPRESS Fifth Imaging Units to facilitate the new neon, metallic and pearlescent ink enhancements. This raises Anton’s total number of NEXPRESS Presses to nine, including the KODAK NEXPRESS SX Platform with its larger sheet size. The combination will raise Anton’s competitive advantage in variable-data applications such as direct mail with high speed and rich quality.
This latest significant investment in Kodak supports Anton’s growth strategy, which includes both hybrid and digital printing. “Our move into hybrid printing has been one of the most exciting projects I have been involved in,” says John Knight, CEO of the Anton Group, a privately owned company and one of the United Kingdom’s largest printing, mailing and fulfillment companies. “It is totally game changing and has raised the bar. There is a massive expectation from our customer base, and we can see more work coming our way. Waste savings are 20 percent on any one job, speed to market is mammoth, and it cuts out all other processes.”
Anton will use the KODAK PROSPER S5 Imprinting Systems to deploy a hybrid printing solution on its lithographic offset presses. The PROSPER S5 System will integrate with a HEIDELBERG CUTSTAR Short-Grain Sheeter. Kodak’s digital imprinting systems will enable Anton to produce high-quality variable data inline on its lithographic presses at full engine speed for direct mail applications.
Anton’s investment in its new NEXPRESS Presses reinforces its growth in digital production technology. The presses extend Anton’s overall digital capabilities such as advanced personalization. The NEXPRESS Fifth Imaging Unit Solutions will provide options for uniquely creative, targeted direct mail applications, while the NEXPRESS SX Platform features high-volume capacity to produce hundreds of thousands of pieces. Anton is successfully using NEXPRESS Presses for multiple applications and has recently won new business, including a significant order from a leading private bank.
John Knight is recognized in the industry as leading the way. His entrepreneurial spirit thrives on having a competitive edge. “We continue to add the latest technology to our plant list,” continues Knight. “We invest in the best to ensure winning the best possible market share. The Kodak team has been exceptional—working closely together with us on this project. We did it together. In today’s tough business world it’s great to have partners you can trust. Clients win from it, and we will win from the ability to offer our customers the best possible products. Hybrid Printing is the future, and I believe it’s here to stay. The industry needs an uplift, and this way offset printers will have a window to a digital future.”