Potts Print makes finishing investment

Print Solutions

Cramlington based Potts Print has added a Horizon SPF-FC/200L landscape feed bookletmaker with two VAC 1000 Collators and a Perfecta 132 TS Flowline guillotine in a £230,000 spend.

‘We invested in the SPF-FC/200L to target small run landscape work,’ explained Brian Watson, production director. ‘We were completing these jobs on our current booklet finishing lines, but found we could do shorter runs more effectively on the Horizon. It also gives us a lot more flexibility, it is easier to set up and we don’t have to fold the sections.’

The operation runs two B1 Manroland 700s, two B2 Heidelberg XLs, a Heidelberg SX and a Speedmaster 52, as well as nine Xerox digital presses, including two iGen 150s.

The need for landscape feed reflects a change in market demand. ‘We have seen a shift towards landscape books, now that we have the Xerox iGens which can produce the XXL sheet. The SPF-FC/200L enables us to add value and gives us a lot more firepower and flexibility,’ added Brian.

He continued, ‘It has been excellent – running really well. It has never stopped. We will get return on investment in no time as it is already running 24 hours a day.’

The machine replaced a single tower SPF-20 which was nearly 15 years old. ‘We did look at other suppliers before choosing the Horizon,’ said Brian, ‘but we know IFS and we know how good the Horizon systems are. We also have another Horizon SPF20, as we like to run two systems – this gives us and our clients extra peace of mind.’

As for the Perfecta Flowline, he continued, ‘We wanted a more effective and automated system. The Perfecta 132 autotrim, has a faster cutting speed, a quicker make ready and running it requires a lot less handling. Its automation allows us to complete much more quick turnaround and complex work.’

The latest additions join a recently added Horizon AFC-566F automated folder.