Offset Printing
OPL switches to Heidelberg for B2 press investment
Monday 27. July 2009 - Offset Productions Ltd (OPL) is adding a new format with its latest press investment. The Aylesford plant runs Size 6 and B1 presses supplied by KBA but has turned to Heidelberg for its move into B2 production.
A Speedmaster XL 75-5-P+LX will be fully commissioned next week and will begin to produce greetings cards, packaging and other commercial work.
“We have been buying KBA presses for many years,” says Hugh Jarvis, managing director. “However, unfortunately KBA were not in a position in the early days of negotiations to offer us a tried and tested B2 press. Therefore we looked at a number of options this time and came down in favour of Heidelberg because of the quality of the machine, the slightly larger format (we are taking the F packaging format), its ability to handle high calliper boards and the overall value for money.”
The company believes much of its shorter run work is suited to this B2 format. It will be fed with plates from a Fuji system installed 18 months ago. The Heidelberg has CIP 4 links between pre press and press and also has the added benefit of an Axis Control spectrophotometer to aid colour control and improve makeready times.
The operators will be expected to operate across the full range of presses to maximise flexibility in the pressroom. The press will initially run days with overtime as needed. OPL is confident this press will create new opportunities, especially in the greetings card market where the company is keen to expand its portfolio of customers.