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
Stephens & George has become the first in the UK to purchase the latest Speedmaster 21,000sph XL 106 generation
Stephens & George has become the first in the UK to invest in the latest HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL 106 generation which officially launched at drupa.
The eight-colour perfecting press is described as a “first of its kind” in the UK and the first worldwide running with a maximum speed of 21,000sph with conventional inks.
Already producing its high-quality magazines and brochures at the previous highest maximum speed of 18,000sph, S&G realised there was more potential in the configuration of the Speedmaster XL 106-8-P presses with CutStar.
As a result, HEIDELBERG provided S&G with the ability to produce at 21,000sph with the investment of the UK’s first 21,000sph XL 106-8-P with CutStar.
Paul Enoch, manufacturing director at Stephens & George, says the noise-cancelling Speedmaster installed has significantly improved working conditions with operators commenting on how quiet the press is.
In addition, the new direct drive feeder means the press is noticeable reducing makeready times.
HEIDELBERG and Stephens & George also partnered to reduce spray powder usage on and around the new press by developing a new highly efficient spray powder system in the form of the new PowderStar XL Duo.
Built with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation capabilities, the new press features an automatic bearing care system which reduces maintenance time and delivers more uptime.
“This machine is 15% more productive than the previous presses in use, this could allow us to produce over 8 million additional sheets per year, which is equivalent to over 2,000 additional sections per year, which makes the new HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL 106 the most productive and efficient machine we have ever had,” says Enoch.
From its purpose-built facility in Merthyr Tydfil, S&G operates a 24 x 6 production service with 56% of work attributed to magazines, 34% to commercial contracts, and 10% to other one-off jobs.
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