Herbert Walkers continues £10m expansion with new Speedmaster XL 106
Herbert Walkers will take delivery of its second Speedmaster XL 106 from Heidelberg in June
Page Bros has invested in a new HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL106-5+L as part of a £7m investment strategy
commercial printer, Page Bros, has invested in a new HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL106-5+L offset press, replacing an existing HEIDELBERG CX102.
The purchase is part of a three-year, £7m investment strategy from Page Bros, with the intent of increasing output and expanding into new markets.
This investment follows Page Bros’ recent acquisition of point-of-sale (POS) and signage provider, BD&H, in December 2025.
The XL106, which offers five-colour printing and a coating unit designed for high efficiency in commercial and packaging printing, will be supported by an existing TH82-P Stahlfolder folding machine at Page Bros' facilities.
Alex Tuya, chief executive officer at Page Bros, says: “The XL106 will give us unmatched speed, flexibility, and quality, allowing us to take on larger, more complex projects and deliver them faster and more sustainably than ever before.
“This expansion isn’t just about meeting our clients’ needs today – it’s about anticipating tomorrow’s demands and positioning ourselves ahead of the curve.”
In comparison to the previous HEIDELBERG CX102, the XL106 is more energy efficient, offers higher productivity, and is designed to ensure more consistent results with greater automation capabilities.
The XL106’s automation features can reportedly reduce make-ready times by as much as 40%, while inline controls are designed to minimise paper waste at job start-up.
Commenting on the new press, Spencer Armes, chief operating officer at Page Bros, says: “Our operators will benefit from its modern automation and user-friendly control systems, making their work more efficient and less physically demanding.
“For our customers, this investment represents a commitment to quality, reliability, service, and the assurance of a print partner ready to grow with them.”
According to Tuya, the investment aims to future-proof the company’s operations, ensuring it can remain agile and competitive in a dynamic and evolving market. He adds: “We believe the right technology partners are essential to delivering real value for our clients, and HEIDELBERG has been a long-standing, trusted partner to Page Bros.
“Its service, support, and reliability – combined with a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation – make it the ideal fit.”
Page Bros Group, which was first established in 1746, services publishing and commercial businesses in the UK and beyond from its Norwich base. The company offers a wide range of pre-media, printing, and fulfilment services including direct mail, security printing, and accessible formats.
