Black Lion Press, a Maidstone-based commercial and large format print specialist, has invested in a Fujifilm Revoria Press SC285S to bring more work back in-house, improve color 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. 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 in Maidstone 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 with the previous device.
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.”
After a series of breakdowns and being informed that parts were no longer available, Black Lion Press began reviewing the market.
Stokes adds, “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 colors. 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. The pricing was also good in comparison to other machines. We managed to complete the paperwork before Christmas, but decided to install it post-Christmas so that it would be immediately put into use.”
While Black Lion Press is predominantly a CMYK commercial printer, the 5th color capability on the Revoria Press SC285S has already opened new opportunities. It has expanded the scope of work the team can offer customers, making it easier to offer more specialist color work and higher-value applications in-house. Predominantly, we are a commercial printer. Everything for us is really CMYK,” Mark explains. “But we’ve got one client who insists on a 021 Pantone orange. Previously, this job had to be printed as a spot color on a litho press, even for very short runs. With the Revoria’s pink toner and advanced color profiling, the team can now accurately reproduce that orange digitally. This means we can keep short runs digital, reduce cost and still meet the client’s color expectations without compromising quality.”
Another key driver behind the investment was the desire to reduce reliance on trade printers and regain control over quality.
“We did not have five color 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.”
With the Revoria Press SC285S now in place, Black Lion Press can expand what it produces in-house while maintaining tighter control over quality and turnaround. The fifth color capability supports more specialist work, helping the team meet demanding customer requirements without the delays that can come with trade print.
Stokes says, “We’ve been going longer than most. We’ve witnessed change in the industry, and 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.”
The investment was facilitated by Colyer, with Fujifilm providing demonstrations and technical support throughout the process.
“Colyer made the process straightforward and handled everything smoothly. Fujifilm has been great from the beginning too. Their engineers have supported us through installation and onboarding, which we have really appreciated,” comments Mr Stokes.
Spencer Green, head of print-on-demand UK, Fujifilm, comments, “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 color requirements, all while keeping quality and production in-house. We look forward to supporting Mark and the team as they continue to develop their offering and grow in the market.”
Jonathan Lyons, sales director at Colyer said, “The Fujifilm 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.”
