Offset Printing
Lion returns to Heidelberg for its next press purchase
Friday 08. March 2013 - Lion FPG is re-equipping its high quality printing operation in Four Ashes, Wolverhampton, installing a Speedmaster XL 75-5+L this month to run alongside a SM 102-5+L and a CD 74-5. The press will be used for full colour Report & Accounts, brochures, prospectuses and other prestige jobs.
The B2 five-colour with coater will be supplied with Heidelberg’s most automated spectral device, Inpress Control, which measures, monitors and adjusts colour and register on the run.
“This is a press that will compete with digital and will allow us to provide a high quality option at a competitive price despite the continuing increase in energy and raw materials costs,” says Jim Delany, joint managing director – operations.
“With the 18,000sph, quick makeready Speedmaster XL 75 Heidelberg has provided a machine that allows us to provide a quality product at a price that can compete with Indigo and Xerox iGen technology. A priority for us is to ensure the operators not only understand the technicalities of the XL 75 but the commerce of the machine and that it can operate at optimum output. Inpress Control is a very powerful tool,” says Mr Delaney.
Having compatible machines with common anilox coating technology is an advantage and was a point in favour of returning to Heidelberg.
“We have worked with Heidelberg for many years and have a good professional relationship with them. The service is of a very high standard and we are companies that understand each other,” says Mr Delaney.
“We will retain the same number of staff and a similar level of sales but we will operate more efficiently in a competitive market with the XL 75 on board,” says Mr Delaney
With the ink barely dry on the order, the company is taking news of the purchase to its customers which include many blue chip clients in commercial, Government and manufacturing sectors.
The company has digital presses as well as B2 and B3 format litho presses at its separate operational printing and fulfilment facility in West Bromwich.
By having the prestige and operational sides to the business the company is able to provide a comprehensive range of products and from its 1,000 pallet warehouse it can offer pick and pack and fulfilment services tailored to a company’s particular requirements.
Fellow managing director Ian Gillespie handles the finance aspects of the operation. The company was impressed that its bank HSBC so readily provided finance to back up this investment, as it sees the company go from strength to strength.