Micropress strengthens digital print capacity with the UK's first Jetfire 50

Print Solutions

Consolidating its commitment to innovation, Micropress has announced its investment in the UK's first Heidelberg Jetfire 50, further strengthening its growing digital inkjet print offering.

‘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 have now reached capacity. We needed an additional machine to cope with growing demand, and the Jetfire 50 fits that need perfectly.’

Micropress selected Jetfire 50 after a rigorous selection process involving several leading suppliers.

‘It was a very competitive process,’ explained Rob. ‘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 decision was shaped by a combination of technology, reliability, and service reputation.’

Another reason why the Jetfire 50 was positively received is that it integrates seamlessly with the Prinect portal, which improves efficiency through automation. The Jetfire 50, part of Heidelberg’s latest generation of inkjet technology, offers high speed performance and exceptional image quality. For Micropress, confidence in both the equipment and the service support was key to the decision.

‘We know the technology, and it is proven,’ said Rob. ‘We have no concerns about the Jetfire 50 performing for us. Heidelberg is also a key partner to our business – its service track record speaks for itself, and we are confident it will deliver the same reliability and support we have come to expect.’

Internally, the reaction to the upcoming new installation has been overwhelmingly positive. ‘Our staff are very open to change – we invest regularly in new equipment – but this one was especially well received,’ Rob said. ‘The digital inkjet area had become a bottleneck in recent months, so this investment directly helps the team. There is 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 printing continues to form the backbone of Micropress’s production, the market’s evolution toward smaller, more frequent print runs has driven growing demand for high quality digital alternatives. ‘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,’ he continued.

The Jetfire 50 also plays a critical role in supporting the upcoming launch of Press Print, Micropress’s new online print platform. Scheduled to go live soon, Press Print represents a major milestone in the company’s digital strategy and its ambition to reach a broader customer base.

‘We have been developing Press Print for a year now,’ explained Rob. ‘It is a big step forward for us – a new channel that makes it easier for customers to order what they need, when they need it. While we expect some of our existing clients to use it, our main goal is to attract new types of customers who want professional quality print, fast and online.’

Micropress is one of the largest independent commercial printers in the UK. A family business founded in 1974 by Mike Cross, it has grown and adapted with a vision to redefine printing standards. Rooted in Suffolk, it is a trusted name that combines local craftsmanship with modern technology.