Leicester-based Lithgo is taking delivery of a Heidelberg Stahlfolder TH 56 this month and it will be located on the newly installed mezzanine floor which has given the company an additional 300 sq m, virtually doubling the total production space.
The decision to buy the Stahlfolder marks a change in direction and the new buckle machine will run alongside existing MBO models.
"We looked at our choice and we liked the fact that we could see the Stahlfolder demonstrated in this country. When we saw it, we knew it would work for our operator and we followed up by talking to people in the trade and found that users were very complementary about the automation of this folder," says Mike Atkinson, managing director.
"Our focus was on finding a faster folder, one that could reduce make-ready times in particular. This buckle machine complements the range of buckle and combination folders we have already. It can handle board work, which is important, and is productive which is important since in this response market you cannot have bottlenecks. We need fast, reliable equipment."
The B2 litho printer also has a digital side and its iGen will be housed on the mezzanine alongside some finishing equipment, including the new folder. These postpress machines process work from either technology.
Lithgo is over 40 year old and attributes its longevity to a reputation for quality and reliability combined with reinvestment in the business and financial caution. Its work includes brochures, leaflets, point of sale material and wallets.
The printing department runs double day shifts, the finishing area flexible days.
"We have all operations in-house from prepress to finished product. Today's market is all about reacting to the customer's needs, to being efficient in order to remain competitively priced. The Stahlfolder will help us to do just that," says Mr Atkinson.
