BCQ to remove two B2s for one A1 RMGT press

Print Solutions

Buckingham based BCQ Group has become the latest UK printer to announce the purchase of a new RMGT press – an RMGT 925 five colour offset litho machine. The A1 format machine will replace two existing B2 format presses, and is expected to produce even more print, as it will eventually run on 24 hours a day, five days a week expanded shifts. The press is being purchased from MPL, the UK distributor for RMGT presses.

Commenting on the purchase of the new press, Chris Knowles, managing director of BCQ, said: ‘As managing director of a printing company I am always reviewing the latest news on equipment. A visit to Japan was arranged to view Horizon post press equipment and to take in a visit to the RMGT manufacturing plant.

‘I was immediately impressed by the company, its staff, and its philosophy – ‘we don’t want to manufacture spare parts, we want to manufacture printing machines that don’t break down’, was the clear message coming through.’

The reputation for reliability of RMGT presses is constantly growing as the user base across the globe continues to swiftly expand, as leading litho printers of all sizes invest is new equipment.

‘The plant itself was extremely impressive, and the format of the RMGT 920 Series really started me thinking very positively – an A1 press in the body, and therefore floorspace, of a B2 machine. Back in the UK I was able to speak to a number of RMGT users, and their feedback fully supported the claims of the UK distributor regarding print quality, reliability and the inherent savings afforded by the format, as well as the environmental bonus from power savings when compared to our existing presses.’

Chris continued, ‘Having studied all of the critical areas surrounding the purchase of a new press, the RMGT 920 Series won in a great many of the categories, and ticked some of the most critical boxes, including the overall cost of ownership. And, let us face it, these days, all presses are now capable of printing fantastically well, and the market price for litho sheets continues to fall, so this has become an imperative.’

He added, ‘The move to an A1 format will allow us to handle a number of jobs that we have been sending to external suppliers – another box that we hadn’t initially considered that could be ticked!’

Chris Knowles has enjoyed a lifetime in print, as his father founded Buckingham Colour Press back in 1976 – one half of the present day BCQ business which was created when it was merged with Colour Quest, then situated in Hemel Hempstead, in 2007. Seeking a total grounding in the industry, Chris studied at the London College of Printing before embarking on a career in print media management, including roles at Artisan Press, Tesco corporate purchasing, and Communisis, where he was involved with many major accounts. He returned to the fold in 2007 shortly after the merger.

Work produced at the company’s Buckingham site, which employs over 100 personnel, includes print for the leading supermarkets, banking, automotive and education sectors, plus a diverse range of other loyal blue chip customers.

This balance of customers has helped BCQ through the recent Covid-19 lockdowns: ‘As with virtually all businesses, the last year has been a major challenge. However, it has prompted us to look closely at our company, focus on what we do well for our customers, and areas that we might be able to improve. We have actually been able to add some new clients recently, while many of our existing customers have continued with their print requirements, albeit with reduced quantities,’ stated Chris.

‘Overall, we are in good shape as business begins to return, though we have to salute the government for the way it has helped companies through lockdown.’

A two year full parts and labour guarantee is included in the circa £1 million investment.