Ipswich-based commercial printer Healeys Printers has strengthened its digital production capabilities with the installation of a Heidelberg Versafire 115 LP, marking its second Versafire investment within a year.
Healey’s Chris Woodward (L) and Gary Owens with the Heidelberg Versafire 115 LP
The new press was installed in November 2025, following the addition of a Versafire LV with Prinect DFE in March. The Versafire 115 LP replaces an end-of-contract digital press and is intended to work alongside the existing LV, expanding capacity and extending substrate capabilities across Healeys’ digital offering.
The investment builds on a long-standing relationship between Healeys and Heidelberg, which spans more than 40 years. The business already operates a Speedmaster XL75 litho press, Prinect ProMan workflow, Polar guillotines, and a Ti52 Stahlfolder, alongside Heidelberg consumables and service support.
According to managing director Philip Dodd, continuity across both litho and digital operations was a key factor in the decision. “Having run a Heidelberg XL75 and Prinect software within our prepress setting for many years, we felt that Heidelberg would be a natural choice to run the digital department efficiently and to automate some prepress functions,” he said.
Mr Dodd also highlighted the performance benefits of the Versafire 115 LP, particularly its ability to handle heavier stocks. Healeys selected the high caliper kit, enabling production up to 800 microns. “We print at 650 microns currently, and the LP will run this stock faster than previously. This capability will also enable us to address the needs of a wider audience,” he added.
The earlier Versafire LV supports substrates up to 470gsm and can produce up to 3180 A3 sheets per hour. Integrated with Prinect, it allows Healeys to optimise workflows, reduce setup times and manage jobs across both digital and litho production, supporting a hybrid print model with faster turnaround on short- and medium-run work.
“Our team have been very positive regarding the enhanced quality over the previous machine and the increased caliper capabilities,” said Mr Dodd. “Since the quality is as near to our litho press as is possible, we feel it will be a significant advantage for our customers.”
Healeys Printers provides litho, digital, and large format printing, as well as cross-media services, with a focus on high-quality marketing materials, fine art catalogues, and luxury brand collateral.
