Fretwell invests in Heidelberg Versafire LP

The Heidelberg Versafire LP

Fretwell Print and Direct Mail has installed a new Heidelberg Versafire LP with Heidelberg DFE at its Yorkshire site, strengthening its digital print production capabilities.

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

According to the company, the investment will support faster turnaround times, improved productivity and greater substrate flexibility, while opening up a wider range of applications.

“The new machine gives us the ability to handle heavier stocks as well as 900mm banner capability,” said Andy Gillett, joint MD of Fretwell. “We’ve 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 Versafire LP joins a production environment that already includes a Heidelberg Litho XL 75 five-colour press and a CX 75 four-colour press. Both are fed through the Heidelberg Prinect workflow with the Bodoni Colour Control system.

“We expect around a 30% increase in productivity,” said Mr Gillett. “The machine gives us access to a much wider range of materials, which is increasingly important in today’s market.”

Fretwell said the new press will support demand for shorter-run, targeted and fast-turnaround print, while allowing the company to maintain efficiency and production quality.

“The staff reaction, too, has been very positive,” said Mr Gillett. “The team were involved in the selection process from the beginning, and because the workflow is already familiar to them, the transition has been very smooth.”

“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,” he added.

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