Kodak is set to install the first Prosper 1000 press in Russia at Pervaya Obraztsovaya Printing House, which aims to 'revolutionise' the Russian book printing market. The company hopes to use its ties with publishers in the country to open up new revenue streams.

Pervaya Obraztsovaya's general director Jakov Soskin cites the machine's ability to add inline finishing as key to the decision, having tested the Prosper 100 with a Muller Martini SigmaLine prior to agreeing the deal. "We wanted to thoroughly test the capability and check the end results and were very impressed with the high quality we achieved," he says. "The book blocks produced exceeded our expectations from a quality and business standpoint."

"The Kodak Prosper 1000 press will enable us to optimise our productivity and reduce our costs. As a result, we will be able to offer the best products in terms of quality, prices, go-to-market and flexibility, especially as it makes the most of the reduction in production costs through a cut in industrial waste."

The machine is due to be installed in the second quarter of 2013, but the company has already lined up a 2,000-run hardcover job for June, it adds.