Offset Printing
Chapel opens its doors to long perfecting and new XL 75
Wednesday 14. May 2008 - Chapel Press will take delivery of the new Speedmaster XL75 straight after Drupa. It considered a move into the B1 sector with a five-colour but its area is well served in that format so it opted instead to enter the B2 long perfecting area with a ten-colour configuration.
“It was a close race between two suppliers in the end. Heidelberg had the edge because of the quality of the equipment, its price competitiveness and the additional facilities on the XL75,” says Tim OShea, managing director. “The speed was important but so was AxisControl, our first spectrophotometer which will enhance our set up times and confirm our quality consistency. It was clear from demonstrations at the factory in Germany that the XL 75 could run at full speed confidently on a wide range of stocks, from lightweights to heavy boards.”
The XL 75 features Heidelbergs new Press Center, a futuristic and operator-friendly console with built in colour control. The fifth and tenth unit of Chapels new press will run sealers when necessary to ensure the company can meet todays tight turnrounds.
“I believe long perfecting, with no more work and turn, is the future,” says Mr OShea. “We have no fears about being a pioneer with the new XL75. It is a one man press so there is no additional manning required except in sales where we will probably add someone with knowledge of the medium to long run sector.”
Where previously the general commercial printer has attracted work from agencies and good end users within a 50 mile radius it sees its market extending to a regional 100 mile pull with the new press. The company envisages the press giving it the potential for a 30-50% lift on its £2m turnover.
The company has added other equipment in the last six months, bringing its total spend to about £1.5m. Chapel Press is 24 years old and employs 26 staff.