Allens Printers, Cardiff, has invested in a B2 Horizon AFC-566FG folder from Intelligent Finishing Systems to expand capacity.

Founded in 1966, the commercial printer has a wide range of customers in both public and private sectors. It runs Heidelberg B2 and B3 offset presses and two Konica Bizhub digital presses.

 “The Horizon has replaced two existing folders and is much more productive thanks to its full automation and job memory storage. It can make ready in minutes so work can be turned around much faster and we can complete more jobs on a day-to-day basis,” explains Jonathan Mills Managing Director.

“Turn-around times are becoming more demanding which is why the automation with the Horizon system was so important and the fact that it’s so user friendly, you don’t need to have years of folding machine experience to use one.”

The Horizon AFC-566FG is an automated super-B2 system equipped with 6 buckles and cross knife, with two buckles under the cross knife enabling 17 fold patterns. Operation is via a user-friendly, icon-based 10.4” colour touch screen. High performance and space efficient, the Horizon AFC-56 series features advanced automation with high quality folding.

Allens Printers’ relationship with IFS began in 2016 when it purchased a Horizon SPF-200A Booklet Maker and VAC-1000 Collator. Says Mills: “It was a very successful investment and proved to be extremely reliable, so we were confident in the Horizon brand and IFS.  We looked at other folding manufacturers on the market and also spoke with other Horizon users. They were very happy with the performance and reliability and that helped us make up our minds.” 

He adds: “We have worked with IFS for almost two years and have been happy with the support and equipment supplied.  It has been a good partnership and we know and trust they will support us.”