19 November 2024

Herbert Walkers invests in the greeting card packaging sector with new Speedmaster XL 106-7 L

With an investment in a new Speedmaster XL 106-7+L, Herbert Walkers has made a further significant step forward in the greeting card and packaging sector. The new machine will improve production and reduce energy consumption, enhancing the company’s green credentials. Herbert Walkers currently have three high-performing HEIDELBERG Speedmaster presses in operation, though they are starting to age. The team recognised that lithographic printing technologies has developed significantly over the last decade, and knew they needed to invest in this new technology. 

“We are a long-standing HEIDELBERG house, having had their presses for many years. This time, we decided to study all the major players in the marketplace before making our decision,” says Mike Lammas, Managing Director, Herbert Walkers. “After our in-depth analysis, we felt the XL 106 was the best performing and most suitable press for our needs, and fits in well with our existing HEIDELBERG equipment. As a long standing Prinect customer we also upgraded our Prinect workflow to Production Manager to take advantage of even more Presetting & Data Management directly from Pre-Press, offering us a truly integrated solution. Having been a Saphira Consumables customer for many years we will continue to use the consumable products from plates to pressroom products on the press, this has worked perfectly; excellent support via the HEIDELBERG technical team.” 

The team at Herbert Walkers were particularly impressed with the Inpress control feature, which will ensure that their colour standards are maintained while make ready times and waste sheets are reduced. They will thus reach their first good sheet much sooner than they did in the past. The machine can run consistently on most jobs at 18,000 sheets per hour, dramatically increasing capacity and resulting in even better levels of service to their customers. 

Another feature that lets customers benefit from more print options is the addition of a seventh colour. The new technology within this machine gives them even more data in terms of colour management. “We now have, more than ever before, a world class factory set up with industry leading equipment paired with our first-class work force,” says Lammas. “Our print crew are excited to work on the new machine and see firsthand the positive impact of the new technology and machine aides that are now available to them.” 

With this investment the company continues to use HEIDELBERG Service and back up  to ensure technology enhances its customers experience at all times through its journey with Herbert Walkers. With a full suite of Prinect products, its transition into a fully working Smart Print Shop and Push To Stop producer has been accelerated through the continued drive and delivery of its fantastic team. The numbers from Prinect Smart BI both in terms of output and quality showed this investment would deliver the required ROI. 

“The Speedmaster XL 106-7+L provides maximum flexibility, thanks to the extensive configuration options available for this demanding packaging market segment. We are certain that this investment in the latest technology will help Herbert Walkers achieve strong growth and reach new heights of productivity. Herbert Walkers’ significant investment over the past five years clearly shows their commitment to the future of their business and the good of their customers,” says Phil Buttress, Head of Sales for HEIDELBERG UK & Ireland. 

Herbert Walkers is a family-owned and operated business based in West Yorkshire, with a 75-year history in the industry. They deliver print and packaging projects for leading high-street retailers and international brands.