The Norwich-based firm bought the press after looking at other B1 options including Heidelberg’s Speedmaster XL 106. “We needed a quicker make-ready, faster press speed with color management and automated plate-changing to free up the operators for other tasks,” said manufacturing director Simon Conway.
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“We believe the CX 102 will give us a 50%, possibly even a 70%, lift in output.”The CX 102 is specified with Autoplate Pro, Axis Control and Prinect Pressroom Manager. It has replaced a six-color Speedmaster 102 press, which the firm has sold along with a Speedmaster SM 74.“The press is being installed this week and will be running from early July after training is completed. We have invested well over £2m in the past couple of years and the CX 102 cost us around £1.3m,” said Conway.
The machine, which will go into 24-hour operation once it’s commissioned, will be used mainly for color work, of which the company has seen a continual increase in recent years. Page Brothers also runs two two-colour Speedmaster SM 102s, which it primarily uses for black and white books, HP Indigo 7600 and 5500 presses and a Muller stitching line. The firm employs 105 staff and has a turnover of £10m. Its main customers include the academic journal and educational markets which it serves nationally and internationally.
