Zenith Print & Packaging has bought a five-colour perfecting and coating XL106 that can produce both commercial print on paper and packaging on board using UV inks.
This is the third time that Zenith has chosen a five-colour convertible press following investments in 2018 and 2020. However, this is the first to have a perfecting option in a 2/3 configuration. It will increase production capacity by 35% the company says.
Zenith Print Group chief executive Joe Towler says: “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 XL106 gives us the agility to switch efficiently between these two business areas, helping us respond faster and better meet our customers’ needs.”
The £22 million business has a strong position in printing packaging for collectable coins, spilling over into other types of packaging. Its commercial print side has a strong efficiency focus, having installed the UK’s first Stahlfolder TH82P and has purchased a new version of the same folder, this time with a StarStack C robot palletise, as part of the latest investment. The new machine is its eighth folder.
On the prepress side the company has doubled the size of its plate making department with two new Suprasetters for B1 plates. Compact pallet loaders reduce manual handling and have capacity for 1200 plates.
While there is a long term relationship with Heidelberg that has involved Zenith being the first in the UK with the Promatrix platen as well as the TH82P folder and now the XL106 to this configuration, its previous press purchase was with Komori. It installed a six-colour plus coater G40 Advance at the end of 2023.
Heidelberg UK managing director Ryan Miles says: “We are delighted that Zenith has once again placed its trust in Heidelberg with the investment in a new Speedmaster XL106-5-P+L.
“The new press has been designed to create a strong competitive advantage and will help Zenith create growth and efficiency for their customers while 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.”
