Solopress has expanded its wide-format production capacity with the installation of a brand-new Agfa wide-format printer and Fotoba cutter.

The Agfa Oberon RTR3300 roll-to-roll UV inkjet press was installed and commissioned in April alongside a new Fotoba XLD 320HS cutter.

Solopress’ double purchase was prompted by rising demand for wide-format work, according to Jack Clifford, head of operation at Solopress.

He added: “By integrating the Oberon RTR3300 into our workflow, we’re further expanding our capacity to deliver fast-turnaround, high-quality, large-format print. In conjunction with the additional Fotoba cutter, the investment has made effective improvements to the efficiency and sustainability of our large-format production. 

“The versatility of the new set-up will also allow for more diverse and cost-effective product options in the future.”

Managing director Simon Cooper, speaking to Printweek, added that the addition to the wide-format line-up would allow the firm to migrate large poster print over from other devices.

He said: “This achieves lower costs in terms of ink, while increasing productivity and quality; it also gives us scope to explore new wide-format print products in future.”

The Oberon has joined two Anapurna hybrid presses and an HP PageWide XL8000 in Solopress’ large-format stable, with the Fotoba now sitting alongside another Fotoba of the same model and a Kongsberg C44 flatbed cutter.

Purchased directly from Agfa, the Oberon prints up to 3.3m-wide or onto two independent 1.6m rolls simultaneously using Greenguard Gold-certified inks.

The more recent Fotoba was bought by Solopress from Leopold Professional imaging; together, the machines represent an investment of £260,000 for the Southend-on-Sea business.

Solopress now employs 226 staff. In 2022, it completed a £5m move into the B1 format.

Printweek welcomes informed debate, but all comments must comply with our house rules which can be read here: A-Z of using the Printweek forums