IGS and Bluetree Group join forces for UK-first installation

Bluetree Group has become the first UK company to install the IGS Cobalt SP800 printer, which it purchased to expand its production capabilities for packaging and POS

Jonathan Pert
September 9, 2025
[L to R] Mark Young, MD at Bluetree Group, and Peter Flynn, MD at IGS, with the newly installed Cobalt SP800

Online printer, Bluetree Group, has become the first company in the UK to install the new IGS Cobalt SP800 single-pass printer.

The press, provided by Monmouthshire print press supplier, International Graphic Supplies (IGS), has been purchased by Bluetree to expand its production capabilities for the packaging and point-of-sale (POS) markets.

The Cobalt SP800 utilises HP’s FI1000 industrial printheads, removing the need for plates or engravings, enabling packaging companies to switch between designs for both one-off jobs and large-scale production runs.

The press boasts a speed of up to 30m/min, reportedly producing over 5,000 corrugated boxes per hour with a maximum material size of 800mm x 2500mm and a maximum image size of 594mm x 2500mm.

The printer features infrared sensors designed to ensure accurate printing on various sizes and shapes. The machine uses water-based inks that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals.

Mark Young, managing director at Bluetree Group, says: "We are incredibly excited to welcome the IGS Cobalt SP800 to our Rotherham site.

“This installation is a key part of our ongoing investment in the latest technology to meet the evolving needs of our customers. The Cobalt SP800's speed and quality will not only enhance our production capabilities but also allow us to offer more innovative and cost-effective solutions to our clients."

The new printer’s Harlequin RIP interface is able to be fully integrated into Bluetree's advanced workflow, which IGS says has ensured a seamless transition and immediate impact on production.

Peter Flynn, managing director at IGS, says: "It is a pleasure to partner with the Bluetree Group, a company that shares our vision for innovation in the print sector.

"The Cobalt SP800 is a perfect fit for their operation, and we are confident it will help them continue to grow and lead the market.”

The new machine will be demonstrated at The Print Show later this month, where IGS will officially launch its new variable data software.

IGS’ new software tool has been developed to integrate seamlessly with the existing Harlequin RIP, empowering our customers to create personalised, high-impact print campaigns faster and more efficiently than ever before."

IGS will be exhibiting at The Print Show at the NEC, Birmingham, on Stand P362, from September 23rd to 25th, in partnership with fellow print supplier, Digital Printing Systems UK (DPS). Those wishing to attend the exhibition have been encouraged to register online.

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