Johnsons of Nantwich’s Turnover Triumph
Horizon A4 landscape booklet line supports continuous improvement drive
Johnsons of Nantwich has almost doubled turnover in six years following a complete operational review that has concluded with the addition of an IFS-supplied Horizon SPF/FC200L booklet production line.
The success of the Cheshire general commercial printer’s business review means it is on track to hit turnover of £3m – double the £1.5m it recorded in 2006.
“We concentrate on delivering high end quality print,” explains John McMillan managing director of the 32-employee strong operation that counts national and local firms among its diverse client base.
“We have invested in presses, improved colour management to Fogra and ISO 12647/2 standards and now undertake even more of our finishing inhouse.”
Johnsons of Nantwich’s most recent pressroom addition is a Heidleberg Speedmaster XL75. It joins two other Heidlebergs and an HP Indigo 5500.
“We are committed to keeping the equipment we operate as up-to-date as possible,” says Mr McMillan, “this is because newer systems offer operational benefits that improve productivity. With the need for additional bindery capabilities it became clear it was time to make an investment.”
As for choosing the Horizon SPF/FC200L he says: “We do a lot of landscape work and are being asked for it more and more. The small runs were handled on a hand stitcher and the long runs were sent out. Now we can complete all the jobs inhouse, faster and without having to factor in outsourcing costs and time.”
The SPF/FC200L was launched at drupa and Mr McMillan adds: “It was timely that this system is now available from IFS and it has certainly helped us speed things up and eased a bottleneck in the bindery. With the new press we want jobs to be out of the door as soon as possible and the Horizon is essential in making that happen. It has made a real difference”
Mr McMillan did look at other manufacturers but, with a successful track record of running Horizon – and other systems – supplied by IFS, he was confident in choosing this latest portfolio addition. “Our previous Horizons have been very reliable and that was a big factor for us. The build quality is robust and the ease of operation enables us to complete a lot of short run jobs quickly and to a high standard of quality.”
The 4,500 bph Horizon SPF/FC200L incorporates all the highly automated features of the very successful SPF/FC200A bookletmaker plus the ability to feed A4 landscape sheets up to 640mm in length. JDF-ready, the system offers instant set-ups via a large icon-based colour touchscreen for user-friendly operation. The screen can be used for on-the-run fine tune adjustments as well as the store and recall of up to 200 jobs. A built in error reject tray and a hand marrying tray help produce perfectly finished booklets while the fold roller gap changeover is also automated for smooth operation.
The Horizon SPF/FC200L can be connected to Horizon’s new HOF 400 sheet feeder for superior feeding of digitally printed sheets or sets for flexible booklet production.
