Direct Group Inks Another Win for Direct Mail Customers
With Two New Sanden Quantum 1500XP Web Presses

Trenton, NJ, July 27, 2004 – Direct Group (DG), a leading company in the premium high-volume, time sensitive segment of the direct mail industry, has ordered two new Quantum 1500 XP 21-inch-wide perfecting web presses from Sanden Machine Ltd., Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, that will double DG’s ability to print customer materials securely in house with high quality and more color.

The first press, a 10-color, will arrive this October. The second press will arrive in early  2005. These as well as existing DG presses will have 17-, 22- and 28-inch cylinders available to accommodate economically customer forms and direct mail packages.

All DG presses run special environmentally friendly ultraviolet (UV)-curing inks for consistent, predictable quality and high rub and scratch resistance.

"Direct mail sometimes takes a beating in the mail or in the home," said John Busch, director of print services at Direct Group. "Mail printed on traditional heatset or coldset web offset presses often needs a press varnish or coating to minimize handling damage. Mail printed with UV ink doesn't automatically need a varnish."

So instead of using a fifth color unit on press just to flood varnish, DG customers can consider using a fifth color for creative flexibility or to match an important corporate color.

DG: An aggressive growth strategy

The two new presses are part of an aggressive growth strategy announced when senior management of DG and private equity firm Schroder Ventures US acquired Direct Group in April 2004. according to Manny Ortiz, DG president and chief executive officer. He said that growth will come through both internal development and targeted acquisitions. In June 2004, DG acquired Coupon Service Corporation of Jersey City, NJ, a leading premium direct mail company.

About Direct Group

DG provides a full suite of direct mail services, including printing, letter shop, laser and other personalization, fulfillment, data services and creative consulting through long-term partnerships with world-class customers throughout the U.S. The company’s three operating facilities and corporate offices are in New Jersey.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT

Chris Ryan, Direct Group

856-241-9400