BSPG’s strong revenue performance was generated by a combination of a stronger market demand for print in both Australia and New Zealand and increased market share. Overall, all business units performed well, with several posting exceptional results.

BSPG’s six sheetfed business units (two in Australia and four in New Zealand) all demonstrated profit growth on the back of new press installations and the successful implementation of new business strategies. In addition, BSPG’s integrated print management offer delivered both additional revenue and a more profitable product mix. Webstar Australia now holds a strong position in quality heatset web printing and continues to be BSPG’s fastest growth business unit.

The improved financial fortunes for the Group are highlighted best by its significant investments in new equipment over the year.

Five new Heidelberg eight and ten colour sheetfed presses, which have been or are being installed into four BSPG business units from May 2004 through to January 2005. These presses are essentially replacement presses, however as they are substantially more productive than incumbent presses overall sheetfed capacity across BSPG will increase. A number of bindery and prepress equipment upgrades are also underway.

In August 2004 Webstar Australia commissioned a fully automated Ferag bindery line resulting in both operational and productivity improvements and a significant lift in bindery capacity.

A Heidelberg M850 32-page Web offset press has been ordered for Webstar Australia. This press installation will result in a significant increase in capacity with anticipated commissioning in December 2004.

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