Black Lion Press invests in Revoria Press SC285S to strengthen in-house production

Print Solutions

Maidstone based commercial and large format print specialist Black Lion Press has invested in a Fujifilm Revoria Press SC285S to bring more work back in-house, improve colour capability and increase production control.

Established in 1981, the company has evolved from traditional litho into a company with a strong focus on large format. Today, around 90% of its work is large format production, serving a broad customer base that includes hospitals, councils, theatres, retail fit outs and local businesses. The business operates from a single site in Maidstone and employs seven experienced staff.

The Revoria Press SC285S was installed in January 2026, replacing the company’s previous production press. The decision to invest followed rising running costs and reliability concerns with the previous device.

Mark Stokes, director of Black Lion Press, commented: ‘Our previous machine was out of contract, but we kept producing on it, so it was probably costing us three times the amount of what we’re paying on the Revoria.’

After a series of breakdowns and being informed that parts were no longer available, Black Lion Press began reviewing the market.

Mark added, ‘We visited Fujifilm’s demo centre in Luton to see the Revoria and learn more about what it can do. I liked the capabilities of the machine, especially what it could do with the additional colours. Some alternatives didn’t feel as robust as we needed for day to day production. We needed a machine that is sturdy enough and can do the task. The pricing was also good in comparison to other machines. We managed to complete the paperwork before Christmas, but decided to install it post Christmas so that it would be immediately put into use.’

While Black Lion Press is predominantly a CMYK commercial printer, the fifth colour capability on the SC285S has already opened new opportunities. It has expanded the scope of work the team can offer customers, making it easier to offer more specialist colour work and higher value applications in-house.

‘Predominantly, we are a commercial printer. Everything for us is really CMYK,’ Mark explained. ‘But we have one client who insists on a 021 Pantone orange. Previously, this job had to be printed as a spot colour on a litho press, even for very short runs. With the Revoria’s pink toner and advanced colour profiling, the team can now accurately reproduce that orange digitally. This means we can keep short runs digital, reduce cost and still meet the client’s colour expectations without compromising quality.’

Another key driver behind the investment was the desire to reduce reliance on trade printers and regain control over quality.

‘We did not have five colour capabilities with our previous set up, which meant we were relying on trade printers. That sometimes meant the quality wasn’t great and delayed the turnaround, which put pressure on our schedules. With the Revoria, we are able to keep all our costs in-house and get a good final result,’ said Mark.

With the Revoria SC285S now in place, Black Lion Press can expand what it produces in-house while maintaining tighter control over quality and turnaround. The fifth colour capability supports more specialist work, helping the team meet demanding customer requirements without the delays that can come with trade print.

Mark commented, ‘We have been going longer than most. We have witnessed change in the industry, and we make sure that we are staying up to date to allow our customers to receive the best products possible. Customers are paying for a good, precise job, and we offer them that with no complications.’

The investment was facilitated by Colyer, with Fujifilm providing demonstrations and technical support throughout the process.

‘Colyer made the process straightforward and handled everything smoothly. Fujifilm has been great from the beginning too. Its engineers have supported us through installation and onboarding, which we have really appreciated,’ commented Mark.

Spencer Green, head of print on-demand UK, Fujifilm, commented: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Black Lion Press as we understand how important quality and service are for it. The Revoria Press SC285S gives the company the flexibility to handle short runs, tight turnaround work and specialist colour requirements, all while keeping quality and production in-house. We look forward to supporting Mark and the team as they continue to develop their offering and grow in the market.’

Jonathan Lyons, sales director at Colyer, commented: ‘The Revoria Press SC285S was a natural fit for Black Lion Press. We are proud to have supported the company in its investment and decision making process and look forward to continue working with its as its business develops.’