Pioneer Print in London has signed a consignment deal with Ultrachem to provide its new cartridge inks for use on its Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 74 presses with a technotrans ink pumping system. Ultrachem will provide Pioneer Print's CMYK inks, which will be stored at Pioneer Print, but only paid for as used.

Peter Binden, managing director at Pioneer Print, says: "By using inks in cartridges as opposed to tins we are more efficient, are saving money, improving the quality of our work and being kinder to the environment by cutting waste."

As the ink is in cartridges it allows the use of every last drop. By controlling the ink that is pumped into the press by Heidelberg's CP2000 technology and the technotrans system, waste is minimal and quality is enhanced.

"Whilst a job is on the run the constant pressure that the ink system puts on the rollers ensures that ink density is consistent, giving predicable quality results" says Mr Binden.

The average run length at Pioneer Print is 25,000. Efficiency of production at Pioneer Print - with thermal CtP, CIP3 links and the ink pumping system - has enabled 17 makereadies in one 12-hour shift to be accomplished.

Mr Binden says: "We do not have to worry about the amount of ink in the duct during a run and we do not have to turn off the ink to change it either. We can take out the ink, store and re-use it at a later date, again this cuts on waste. These benefits over tinned ink have aided our makeready record of 17 in one day."

Pioneer Print has been working with Ultrachem for 14 years and Mr Binden says it's the good service, the consignment deal and quick response that keeps them loyal. "We are able to order inks in the morning and have them by the afternoon, this rapid delivery is essential to us," he says.

Pioneer Print has an annual turnover of £3.5m, and operates both double day and continental shifts. It employs 33 and provides commercial print to entertainment and communication companies such as the Ministry of Sound and Telco Global Communications.

In its 18,000sq ft premises are CtP, press and extensive finishing equipment with folding, stitching, trimming, collating, laminating, varnishing, cutting and die cutting.

Brian Andrews has joined Ultrachem as area sales representative. He brings with him over 40 years industry experience to the Midlands division.

Mr Andrews says: "'This is an excellent opportunity. I am looking forward to working with a company that is not management heavy, where I can get on with the job and be confident in the products and services that I am selling. Ultrachem's product range is respected, and its support and service really are in a higher league."

Mr Andrews has spent his life in the printing industry, starting in sales for camera and equipment manufacturer Littlejohn. After ten years here, he helped set up and manage the midlands branch for Printers Supplies and Equipment (PS&E), where he worked for 21 years. PS&E Ltd was subsequently bought by Openshaw, where Mr Andrews spent a further ten years.

Aidan McElroy, marketing manager for Ultrachem, says: "Brian's experience in pre-press consumables will be of great benefit to this side of Ultrachem's portfolio. With his scope of industry knowledge, he will be a great addition and really boost the West Midlands team."