Nottingham-based commercial printer, Pyramid Press, has increased its production flexibility by investing in a Horizon iCE StitchLiner Mark IV next generation saddle-stitching system from IFS.
Part of Willsons Group Services, this new machine means the company will be able to meet greater demand for short run fast turnaround jobs, while continuing to offer a broad product range including critical monthly publications, corporate brochures, prospectuses, leaflets, posters, folders and business stationery for a diverse array of clients ranging from publishers, theatres, grocery wholesalers, and universities to awarding winning design agencies and end users.
Paul McGuigan, director of Pyramid Press, explained the investment decision, ‘We have had Muller Martini lines in our bindery for many years. They have been very reliable. However, it was time to consider what the next investment should be to futureproof the bindery. At the same time jobs coming into the bindery now have more varied run lengths and there is a need to get them out the door faster. We knew it was necessary to invest in a different solution to better address what today’s workload looks like.’
On choosing the StitchLiner Mr McGuigan continued, ‘Another operation in the group has a StitchLiner and it has been very reliable. We know and trust Horizon’s robust build. It will do what we need it to, and the iCE software will be something we can utilise in the future.’
The Horizon iCE StitchLiner Mark IV achieves high quality booklet production at speeds of up to 6,000 booklets per hour. It’s cloud-based iCE LiNK uses cloud technology to automate workflow from upstream to post-press. It provides access to an intuitive easy to use dashboard that reports real-time production analysis for improved efficiency and profitability, remote update capabilities and scheduled maintenance resulting in less downtime. The information is accessible via smartphone, tablet or desktop PC and the software is designed for integration with MIS systems.
Mr McGuigan concluded, ‘Installation was quick and smooth and there have been no issues. We are looking forward to seeing how it will help us better manage production and ensure our operation is as agile as it can be.’
