Pressroom
Statex is convert to closed loop production
Wednesday 04. August 2010 - Statex Colourprint has replaced Screen Trueflow workflow with Heidelbergs Prinects Prepress Manager and Pressroom Manager after a thorough reassessment of the market.
The company had looked before at Heidelbergs workflow before but had not previously seen it as the front runner.
Joint managing director Graham Minett says: “The Prinect we viewed this year showed clearly that this has been a real focus of Heidelbergs research and development. Suddenly we realised that closed loop production could be a reality, seamlessly integrating our prepress and press with an integrated solution. We sent in our studio team and they described the demonstration as mind blowing. It was easier to use and eliminated a lot of time consuming elements. It was much more automated. “
Production director Steve Miller adds: “We were blown away by the demo. The method of processing artwork was quicker, multi-up imaging on to plate was better and it had tricks built in that allowed us to save paper. It saved us ink by converting automatically to UCR and there was an automated key for spot varnishing which has saved us in varnish costs. It is also brilliant for monitoring quality and colour. We get feedback on dot gain, dot loss and it minimises the amount of on press adjustments we have to do.”
The company has also switched to Saphira Chem-free plates and says that about 90% of its consumables are now sourced from Heidelberg. It had had concerns about single supplier reliance a few years ago but it says that in reality the holistic approach means the products are tested for the equipment and if there is any issue there is no inter-party wrangling and Heidelbergs service is proven and reliable.
“We have always invested in great technology but our workflow spend is the best thing we have done for a long time,” says Mr Minett. “We fully embrace closed loop production and single supplier sourcing. Normally no one likes change but this investment has had a really positive impact on our business and our team and we are now confident of our plate and ink reliability and consistency.”
The Newcastle company handles a broad range of work but it includes art books, Report & Accounts and general commercial work.