Award winning Park Communications has chosen a four-clamp Horizon BQ470 binder from Intelligent Finishing Systems to enhance and develop its Digital Department.
Park Communications’ end-to-end solution provides page creation, digital and B1 litho printing, finishing, mailing and distribution services. Markets including report and accounts, fine art, marketing materials including high-end property and fashion, independent magazines and Government reports.
Park was binding digital print production on a single-clamp Horizon BQ270 and Deputy Managing Director Paul Walker explains: “We had been running the single-clamp Horizon binder for eight years. It was initially bought for finishing financial reports. Our work was already migrating away from these standard reports to more creative products. In 2015 we invested in an HP Indigo 7800, and the department needed to respond to the increased demand. Sales tripled within the first 12 months. Therefore faster automated make-readies utilising PUR or EVA adhesives were essential. The four clamp configuration does this.”
As the small-footprinted 1,350 books per hour PUR BQ-470 has four-clamps, it is ideally suited to mid-range soft back book production with higher production speeds, with instant make-readies for runs of one. It can bind up to 65 mm (2.55”) thickness and offers fully automated set-up through an intuitive icon based LCD touchscreen.
Walker adds: “We looked at alternative suppliers from our litho production business, but they cannot offer a cost effective solution with the same level of automation. Horizon also has a proven track record within Park. The reliability and build quality has been a stand-out feature. Our operators are familiar with the touch screen operator interface from our previous BQ270, making easier the transition across to the new machine. The choice of PUR was important, too, because it allows Park to address a greater mix of stocks within its creative markets.”
As for the anticipated business impact he says: “It gives us a more effective and efficient book production process. Previously when we had short-run PUR products to produce, we would interrupt our Acoro Muller Martini line. But with increased volumes, this process was becoming problematic. This work will now move across to the BQ470, freeing up much needed capacity on Muller Martini for our litho production. This investment significantly strengthens our 24 hour digital production department, allowing Park to offer an even faster and enhanced service to our customers.”
And the expected return on investment is positive too: “This purchase is part of a wider capital investment plan. We are enhancing and widening our services to customers, leveraging off our reputation for quality and customer service, whilst giving a positive financial return.”
