Zenith Print Group invests in a Speedmaster XL 106-5-P+L

Print Solutions

Zenith Print Group has invested in a five colour combination perfecting press, the new Heidelberg XL 106-5-P+L. The new press will join the company’s existing fleet, which already includes two Speedmaster XL 106 presses, to further enhance production capacity and flexibility across its operations.

Together with other recent investments, Zenith anticipates that this new press will deliver a production capacity increase of approximately 35%. This will enable the business to deliver enhanced quality, greater flexibility and faster turnaround times for its customers.

The new Speedmaster XL 106-5-P+L will provide the company with a powerful and flexible platform for both commercial and packaging production. Combining five colour printing, perfecting and coating, the press is designed to support efficient makereadies, productive job changeovers and consistently high quality output. Its advanced automation capabilities will help Zenith increase capacity, improve production flexibility and respond quickly to changing customer demands.

The close partnership between the two companies has evolved over many years, with both companies working closely together to further strengthen Zenith’s customer offerings.

Prior to this latest investment, it had already taken significant steps to enhance its pre-press capability with the installation of two new high speed Heidelberg Suprasetter devices. Both systems are configured with compact pallet loaders, providing a high level of automation in plate production. With the ability to load up to 1200 printing plates and reduce manual handling, the compact pallet loader enables efficient, highly automated plate production. This investment has ensured that Zenith’s pre-press department is fully prepared to support the increased print capacity, speed and efficiency delivered by the new XL 106.

This latest investment also extends into post press, with the purchase of the latest Stahlfolder TH82-P, equipped with StackStar C robotics. The system combines high output shingled folding with automated robotic stacking. It helps increase productivity, deliver the highest quality and reduce manual handling, while providing greater automation and flexibility across the finishing operation.

Zenith Print Group offers litho, digital and wide format services to both commercial and packaging customers. By creating much needed additional capacity for the group, this investment will help meet ever increasing customer demand and enable faster job turnarounds.

Chief executive Joseph Towler explained, ‘Our customers expect us to react quickly and adapt to changing demands. Whether in the context of a commercial print job or of packaging production, they rely on us for fast turnaround times and maximum flexibility. The new Speedmaster XL 106 gives us the agility to switch efficiently between these two business areas, helping us respond faster and better meet our customers’ needs.’

‘We are delighted that Zenith has once again placed its trust in Heidelberg with the investment in a new Speedmaster XL 106-5-P+L,’ added Ryan Miles, managing director at Heidelberg UK. ‘The new press has been designed to create a strong competitive advantage and will help create growth and efficiency for its customers whilst maintaining the highest quality standards. Backed by our world class service department, this investment will support Zenith Print Group’s continued growth and reinforces the strength of our long term partnership.’

The group employs 185 people across its two sites in South Wales. Pontypool is home to its digital and commercial print operations, while Pontypridd is home to its packaging and fulfilment divisions.