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
A Versafire 115 LP has been installed at Healeys Printers in Ipswich in order to complement a previously purchased HEIDELBERG machine and replace an end-of-contract press
Press manufacturer, HEIDELBERG, and commercial printer, Healeys Printers, have detailed a new installation from November 2025, which was undertaken to complement a previous purchase between the two companies.
After installing a Versafire LV with Prinect DFE in March 2025, Healeys decided to return to HEIDELBERG for a second Versafire, this time opting for the Versafire 115 LLP.
The decision was made in order to complement the earlier Versafire LV but also replace an end-of-contract digital press. Healeys is said to have a long-standing relationship with HEIDELBERG, evident in its ownership of a Speedmaster XL75, as well as Polar Guillotines, and a Ti52 Stahlfolder.
The Versafire LV can reportedly produce up to 3,180 A3 sheets per hour and can support a wide range of substrates, including materials up to 470gsm. The new press is able to integrate with the Prinect workflow and also complements Healeys existing litho press, meaning the company can provide a hybrid print service with quicker turnaround times on high-volume work.
Speaking about the investment, Philip Dodd, manager director of Healeys, says: “We have chosen the high caliper kit to enable production up to 800 micron. We print at 650 micron currently, and the LP will run this stock faster than previously. This capability will also enable us to address the needs of a wider audience.”
According to Dodd, the team has been very positive regarding the installation due to the enhanced quality and caliper capabilities over the previous Healeys machine.
“Customers will especially benefit from the quality improvement, as well as the commonality between the Versafire LP and LV installed earlier. Since the quality is as near to our litho press as is possible, we feel it will be a significant advantage for our customers,” adds Dodd.
HEIDELBERG and Healeys, which is based in Ipswich, have worked together for over forty years, a relationship Dodd has seen evolve since he ordered a Speedmaster 52 after taking over the company from his father. The purchase led to several more investments including the UK’s first Anicolor before replacing it and several other presses with a XL75 in 2013. Today the company offers advanced litho and digital printing alongside large-format graphics, and cross-media solutions, including fine art catalogues and luxury brand materials.
