Colin Clapp, the Hertfordshire direct mail printer, has increased its reliance on Ultrachem for its waste removal, blanket supplies and roller and blanket washes. It is currently using the Phoenix Sapphire blanket, together with the Sontara Printmaster automatic wash up cloth, used on Colin Clapp's Speedmaster SM 74-6 six-colour press.

Colin Clapp's new waste agreement with Ultrachem ensures that all waste including CtP developer, blankets, coating, wash up, inks and duct foils are removed safely and efficiently. Neil Bacon, pressroom manager at Colin Clapp, says: "Ultrachem has provided a comprehensive and competitive first rate service. From site assessment through to delivery and removal of waste products, Ultrachem has not faltered.

"After having a few problems with our blanket and roller washes, we requested the advice of Ultrachem's technical backup service. After thorough consultation with Ultrachem we have tested various combinations, and are now trying two new washes, both of which are water miscible. Our press minders have already noted improvements in the ease of ink, paper lint and water based material removal since their implementation." says Mr Bacon.

Colin Clapp has a turnover in excess of £10m and employs 300 at its Hoddesdon premises. It operates a Speedmaster CD 102-6 six-colour with coater, a SM 74-6 six-colour a GTO 52, a Jet press envelope printer and has CtP and cutting, folding, die-cutting, creasing and a stitching line in house. A ten-colour Speedmaster press will be added to the line up in March.

Ultrachem is a major manufacturer of pressroom consumables and one of the UK's largest blanket converters and suppliers. Also supplying pre-press consumables, Ultrachem is the sole UK distributor for Lastra branded plates. With its own dedicated national delivery service and waste removal scheme, Ultrachem can provide a complete, value-added service for its growing customer base.