Three Five Four doubles capacity with remarketed Speedmaster investment
- 26 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Print Solutions
Essex based commercial print specialist Three Five Four has significantly expanded its production capabilities with the installation of a Heidelberg Speedmaster CX 102-5+L. This press is a 2017 model, remarketed and supplied directly by Heidelberg. The investment will effectively double the company’s printing capacity through greater efficiency.
The new press is a 2017 model with just 90 million impressions, supplied through Heidelberg’s remarketed equipment programme, which was designed to give customers access to expertly refurbished pre-owned presses, backed directly by the manufacturer.
For Three Five Four, the decision to opt for a remarketed press was driven by a combination of reasons. This includes the customer’s confidence in the manufacturer’s long term support for the refurbished press.
‘We invested in the CX 102-5+L so that we could offer more to our clients and effectively double our printing capacity,’ said Ian Drew, director at Three Five Four. ‘Despite being a 2017 machine, it had every level of automation available, including Push to Stop technology, and had only completed 90 million impressions. It was an offer we simply couldn’t refuse.’
The installation marks a major milestone in Three Five Four’s growth strategy, allowing the business to scale output without proportionally increasing labour or production time.
‘The productivity gains are significant,’ explained Ian. ‘We expect the machine to give us 100% more productivity. We are currently running in half the time, with half the number of minders, while achieving the same turnover – purely because of the efficiencies built into the machine itself.’
The investment positions Three Five Four to respond more effectively to increasing customer demand while improving flexibility across production schedules.
Although Three Five Four had previously explored pre-owned equipment through dealers, the complexity and sophistication of the CX 102-5+L made direct manufacturer support a critical factor in the purchasing decision.
Ian continued, ‘We have worked with dealers before and they have been very good, but the level of technology on this press meant that, as a business, we needed the back up of the manufacturer.’
Internally, the investment has been met with enthusiasm from the production team, who have embraced the advanced automation and operational improvements the press brings to the business.
‘At the same time, our clients will benefit from cheaper pricing, speedier production, and greater capacity,’ said Ian. ‘This helps us too, since it is very difficult in this day and age to tell customers you simply don’t have the capacity. This investment changes that completely.’
The increased efficiency of the press also supports Three Five Four’s broader commitment to delivering high quality print with responsive service and dependable lead times.
At the same time, the installation also highlights the growing appeal of Heidelberg’s remarketed equipment programme within the print industry. By offering manufacturers maintained preowned machinery, the programme provides businesses with a lower-risk route into advanced production technology.
Three Five Four is a UK based commercial print company delivering high quality print solutions to clients across multiple sectors. Focused on investment, efficiency, and customer service, the company continues to expand its production capabilities through advanced print technology and streamlined workflows.
Heidelberg’s remarketed equipment programme provides expertly refurbished pre-owned presses and finishing systems backed directly by the manufacturer. Offering genuine parts, technical expertise, and factory level support, the programme delivers a reliable alternative to new equipment while maintaining quality standards and support – combining the value of a pre-owned machine with the reassurance of dealing directly with the original equipment manufacturer.
