B&B Press has marked the purchase of two Sakurai presses in its 50th anniversary year with a sake drum ceremony attended by Ryuta Sakurai, the Japanese manufacturer's president.

　　The deal marks the second B&B Press investment in the Japanese kit having previously purchased two Sakurai presses in 2004 as part of a £700,000 kit spend.

　　Managing director Barry Liversidge said: "We are doing well as a company during these hard economic times. This investment marks an auspicious time in B&B's history. By coincidence, this is also our company's 50th press purchase.

　　"We decided to use Sakurai because it will help us curb our downtime and improve efficiency. We are not planning to hit any new markets this year, but hope to retain a lot of current business."

　　The Rotherham-based family business completed the £1m installation of the 475SDC and 575SDC models last week. Its staff were treated to a traditional Japanese drum breaking ritual and servings of the alcoholic drink sake to mark the occasion.

　　The 575SDC replaced B&B's five-colour Komori press. Both models run virtually alcohol-free at 16,000sph and both include an added coater and dryer.

　　They will be used to produce items including brochures and magazines. B&B also announced it was considering further digital investment.

　　Mr Sakurai said: "B&B Press has a special place in our company's heart. My father has visited and I am pleased to be here too.

　　"Sakurai is gaining a great reputation. We are making strides in Eastern European and markets are also opening in Brazil. As a company we are always trying to guess what future generations will demand from printers."