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
The binding machine was purchased from supplier Intelligent Finishing Systems
Ashwyk has invested in a Horizon BQ-270V binder, purchased from supplier Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS).
The Essex-based print-to-order company produces a wide range of products including booklets, business cards, and brochures. The single-clamp binder was added to its growing arsenal of printing and finishing solutions, which includes a Heidelberg platen press and an Indigo 7900 digital printer.
The BQ-270V binder reportedly can produce books up to 50mm thick at a maximum speed of 500 cycles per hour. It also includes a sensor-activated digital caliper system which measures book block thickness and automatically transfers this data to the binder, allowing for automated setups.
Explaining the decision behind the investment, managing director at Ashwyk, Joe de Wykerslooth, says: “We were outsourcing our perfect binding and wanted to bring it in house to improve turnaround times and our competitiveness.
“We evaluated other pieces of kit and the Horizon system looked to be the best. We also spoke to other people in the industry and they all said it was a good machine.”
Wykerslooth adds: “One area it will make a big impact is in proofs. Before we were creating loose examples and the customer had to trust the final look. Now we can create a proof that will look exactly the same as the completed job. We can also create samples, adding foiling and embossing, for a very high-end result.”
IFS are the exclusive distributor of Horizon print finishing and binding machinery in the UK and Ireland. It also partners with other manufacturers such as Tecnau, Smyth, Foliant, Petratto, BaumannPerfecta, and Italdibipack.
