Blog

The past six months has seen a significant investment programme rolling out within our Bindery.

We take 5 minutes of Marcus Partridge our Bindery Manager’s time and ask him what impact this investment has made within his department.

Marcus, tell us about the MBO Leman Folders?

We carried out a thorough appraisal of the solutions in the marketplace. We wanted new folders that were more efficient to make ready and simply run faster, we also required a stacker/ delivery system that could present work better to the stitchers and binders which in turn would offer performance benefits in these areas as well. We visited MBO Headquarters in Germany to carry out extensive trials. Our 2 x MBO Leman folders were the second install of their type in the UK and the 4^th and 5^th in the world.

These new folders started operating towards the end of January and results are improving considerably and the speeds are increasing all the time. Without getting too technical, there is an imposition change with these new folders. Instead of feeding narrow edge like we have done previously, these folders feed wide edge pitch. This helps to maximise the benefit of the high-speed folders. Our operators accepted the challenge of this new cutting-edge technology almost immediately. Although we’re not at maximum speed yet, these new folders are helping us to keep up with XL technology that we have within our Press Hall.

Are our new Muller Martini Primera MCs operational?

Yes they are. It took less than a month for both to be installed and up and running. Our operators had additional training on the new equipment as there is a slightly different user interface compared to the previous ones, however the majority of the processes are the same. I’m really impressed with the operators and they took to these Primeras MC’s like ducks to water. It appears to have been a seamless transition. These installs are the UK’s first Primera MC technology.

So you’re pleased with the results so far?

Early indications, very pleased. We have a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship with Muller Martini and from what we have seen so far, has endorsed our decision for these investments.

How’s the install of the Bolero B9 getting on?

The engineers have been on site for a few weeks and if all goes to plan the install AND commissioning should all be concluded within a month. Training on this B9 starts next Monday. Again a full appraisal was undertaken before the purchase was made and a we believe we’re getting the best finishing solution in the marketplace. This B9 ticked every box.

So good signs moving forward with the Bindery?

Most definitely. With the re-investment programme we will become more efficient and have the ability to turn work around quicker, whilst still maintaining the highest quality of product and service. There’s still a lot of hard work and effort required from everyone in the team from myself right down to the bindery assistants to maximise these investments in order to demonstrate a return. These are exciting times for our business and it appears that Print Finishing is finally coming into the 21^st century in terms of the technology and innovations!