Maidstone-based print specialist Black Lion Press has invested in a new Fujifilm Revoria Press SC285S to bring outsourced work in-house and expand its specialist colour capabilities.
Black Lion Press, a commercial and large-format print specialist based in Maidstone, has invested in a Fujifilm Revoria Press SC285S to bring more work back in-house, improve colour capability, and increase production control.
Established in 1981, the company has evolved from traditional litho into a modern print operation with a strong focus on large-format applications. Today, around 90% of its work is large-format production, serving a broad customer base that includes hospitals, councils, theatres, retail fit-outs, and local businesses. The business operates from a single site and employs seven experienced staff.
The Revoria Press SC285S was installed in January 2026, replacing the company’s previous production press. The decision to invest followed rising running costs and reliability concerns, culminating in a series of breakdowns and a lack of available replacement parts for the older machine.
Mark Stokes, Director of Black Lion Press, comments: “Our previous machine was out of contract, but we kept producing on it, so it was probably costing us three times the amount of what we’re paying on the Revoria. We visited Fujifilm’s demo centre in Luton to see the Revoria and learn more about what it can do. I liked the capabilities of the machine, especially what it could do with the additional colours. Some alternatives didn’t feel as robust as we needed for day-to-day production. We needed a machine that’s sturdy enough and can do the task.”
Expanding Colour Capabilities In-House While Black Lion Press is predominantly a CMYK commercial printer, the fifth-colour capability on the Revoria Press SC285S has already opened new opportunities. It has made it easier to offer specialist colour work and higher-value applications directly without having to rely on trade printers.
Stokes explains that the team can now accurately reproduce specific brand colours digitally, such as Pantone 021 orange, using the press’s advanced colour profiling and pink toner. Previously, this required printing as a spot colour on a litho press. By bringing this capability in-house, the business can keep short runs digital, reduce costs, and meet strict client expectations without compromising quality or delaying turnarounds.
Stokes adds: “We did not have five colour capabilities with our previous setup, which meant we were relying on trade printers. That sometimes meant the quality wasn’t great and delayed the turnaround, which put pressure on our schedules. With the Revoria, we’re able to keep all our costs in-house and get a good final result. We make sure that we are staying up-to-date to allow our customers to receive the best products possible. Customers are paying for a good, precise job, and we offer them that with no complications.”
A Collaborative Installation The investment was facilitated by Colyer, with Fujifilm providing demonstrations and technical support throughout the entire process.
Spencer Green, Head of Print-on-Demand UK at Fujifilm, says: “We’re thrilled to be working with Black Lion Press as we understand how important quality and service are for them. The Revoria Press SC285S gives them the flexibility to handle short runs, tight turnaround work and specialist colour requirements, all while keeping quality and production in-house.”
Jonathan Lyons, Sales Director at Colyer, concludes: “The Revoria Press SC285S was a natural fit for Black Lion Press. We’re proud to have supported them in their investment and decision-making process and look forward to continue working with them as their business develops.”