Fretwell expands digital print capabilities with investment in Versafire LP

Print Solutions

Fretwell Print and Direct Mail, Yorkshire, has strengthened its digital production capabilities with the installation of a new Heidelberg Versafire LP with Heidelberg DFE. This investment further enhances the company’s ability to deliver high quality, fast turnaround print, across a wider range of applications.

The new press replaces Fretwell’s existing Versafire LV and forms part of the company’s ongoing strategy to combine advanced digital and litho production technologies, within a fully integrated workflow environment.

The new press brings not only improved speed and productivity, but also substrate flexibility.

‘The new machine gives us the ability to handle heavier stocks as well as 900 mm banner capability,’ said Andy Gillett of Fretwell, explaining that this opens up new possibilities, both for the company and for its customers.

Andy added, ‘We have had excellent experience with Heidelberg in the past, which is why the choice was an easy one. Since we have other Heidelberg machines, the Versafire integrates seamlessly into our automated workflows, which is a major advantage for us.’

The new digital press joins a highly automated production environment at Fretwell, which already includes a Heidelberg Litho XL 75 five colour and a CX 75 four colour press. Both are fed through the Prinect workflow with the Bodoni Colour Control system.

The Versafire LP is expected to deliver a significant productivity boost for the business, with faster production speeds and the ability to work across a broader range of materials. ‘We expect around a 30% increase in productivity,’ said Andy. ‘The machine gives us access to a much wider range of materials, which is increasingly important in today’s market.’

As demand grows for shorter run, highly targeted, and fast turnaround print, the investment positions the company to take on a variety of applications while maintaining efficiency and production quality.

‘The staff reaction, too, has been very positive,’ said Andy. ‘The team was involved in the selection process from the beginning, and because the workflow is already familiar, the transition has been very smooth.’

For customers, the new Versafire LP translates into greater flexibility, quicker turnaround times, and expanded creative possibilities. The ability to print on heavier stocks and for larger format applications gives Fretwell additional versatility across a range of sectors and campaign types.

‘The industry has changed enormously in the past 30 years, and we recognise that continuous investment and evolution are critical to staying competitive and continuing to meet customer expectations,’ said Andy.

The addition of the Versafire LP reflects the wider industry trend toward integrated hybrid print environments, where digital and litho technologies work together seamlessly to maximise efficiency and production flexibility.

Phil Buttress, head of sales for Heidelberg UK and Ireland, said: ‘We are delighted that Fretwell’s has decided to invest with Heidelberg and appreciate the time it took to visit Stockley Park for a product and Prinect update. The business relationship we share is extremely important and we look forward to building on this for the future.’