Following a complete operational review Johnsons of Nantwich installed a Horizon SPF/FC200L booklet production line, which led to almost a 100% increase in turnover.
The success of the Cheshire general commercial printer’s business review means it is on track to hit turnover of £3m, double the £1.5m it recorded in 2006.
‘We concentrate on delivering high end quality print and so we have invested in presses, improved colour management to Fogra and ISO 12647/2 standards and now undertake even more of our finishing inhouse’ explained John McMillan, managing director.
The company’s most recent pressroom addition is a Heidleberg Speedmaster XL75. It joins two other Heidlebergs and an HP Indigo 5500. ‘We are committed to keeping the equipment we operate as up-to-date as possible,’ said Mr McMillan, ‘this is because newer systems offer operational benefits that improve productivity. With the need for additional bindery capabilities it became clear it was time to make an investment.’
As for choosing the SPF/FC200L he said, ‘We do a lot of landscape work and are being asked for it more and more. The small runs were handled on a hand stitcher and the long runs were sent out. Now we can complete all the jobs inhouse, faster and without having to factor in outsourcing costs and time.’
The 4,500 bph SPF/FC200L incorporates all the highly automated features of the SPF/FC200A bookletmaker plus the ability to feed A4 landscape sheets up to 640 mm in length. JDF ready, the system offers instant set ups via a large icon-based colour touch screen for user-friendly operation. The screen can be used for on-the-run fine tune adjustments as well as the store and recall of up to 200 jobs. A built in error reject tray and a hand marrying tray help produce perfectly finished booklets while the fold roller gap changeover is also automated for smooth operation.
The booklet maker was launched at drupa and Mr McMillan added, ‘It was timely that this system is now available from IFS and it has certainly helped us speed things up and eased a bottleneck in the bindery. With the new press we want jobs to be out of the door as soon as possible and the Horizon is essential in making that happen. It has made a real difference.’
