W&G BAIRD’S PATRICK MOFFETT ON LONGEVITY AND SUCCESS
Taking the ELAINE HAMILL is making her mark in the print industry
Prestige Signs has invested in a Mimaki JFX500-2131 grand format
W&G Baird Managing Director
Patrick Moffett on why success is down to the team 16
A new Xerox Iridesse at School
Print Resources is setting the print firm up for expansion 18 Growth
P+D’s second Elitron machine has helped increase efficiency and maximise workload
flatbed UV printer Cover Story
20 Installation
GPS Colour Graphics is staying ahead of the competition with a new Speedmaster XL 106
Elaine Hamill at Ballyprint chats about her big win at this year’s Irish Print Awards
22 Innovation
Two Sides reports on the latest paper designs and innovations
24 Careers
Jenny Davis at 3D Printing
Ireland on the joy of seeing her work in print
Welcome to issue 4 of Irish Printer for 2025
In this issue, we profile some of the print firms investing in new technology to stay competitive and expand into new markets. Production Director John Nolan at Prestige Signs chats about the firm’s new Mimaki JFX500-2131 grand format flatbed UV printer. The machine has improved production capabilities at the print house; run times are down significantly with no sacrifice to quality. P+D has invested in a new Elitron Kombo THC, a twin-head cutting system that has doubled productivity on repeat or high-volume jobs, helping the P+D team meet tight deadlines. This is the second Elitron machine for P+D in recent years –the increased automation has had a positive impact on the company’s entire workflow, from loading materials to finished product. Elsewhere in this issue, we take a look at an investment by GPS Colour Graphics in a new HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL 106-8P. The new machine has, says Director Lorraine Bell, boosted productivity at the print firm by 43%. Paper wastage and powder contamination are down, while the XL’s automated capabilities make it the most intelligent press they’ve ever worked with. On page 16, Niall Morrissey at School Print Resources explains why a new Xerox Iridesse Production Press is elevating the print experience for every educator and student he works with.
Elaine Hamill, Managing Director at Ballyprint, is our cover story for this issue. On page 12, she talks about making the move from retail management into the print industry and what she loves about the sector. On page 14, we chat with Bairds Managing Director Pat Moffett about winning big at this year’s Irish Print Awards and what the accolade means for the team.
As always, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any thoughts on this issue, please drop us a line at editor@irishprinter.ie. Enjoy!
Editor: Denise Maguire
Email: editor@irishprinter.ie
Creative Director: Jane Matthews
Designer: Lenny Rooney
Production: Nicole Ennis
Contact: Irish Printer, Ashville Media Group, Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F
Tel: (01) 432 2200
Web: www.irishprinter.ie
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UPDATES
JET PRESS
NEWS
1160CF SPOTLIGHT ON…
Fujifilm introduced another of its continuous feed inkjet presses, the Jet Press 1160CF, to the Europe, Middle East and Africa region via a special live event in July. The new press complements
Fujifilm’s existing Jet Press 1160CFG, which launched at drupa 2024. It features an ink formulation that enables it to print on uncoated and matt coated stocks with consistent high quality. It’s ideal for transaction, transpromo, books, direct mail and manuals, while its small footprint and low energy consumption allow for additional cost-savings. The new press also features Fujifilm’s paper stabiliser technology, making it ideal for printing on standard offset stocks for commercial applications, books and magazines.
P+D acquires Delta Display Ireland
P+D has announced the acquisition of the business operations of Delta Display Ireland, the trading name of Moving Pictures Distribution Ireland Limited. P+D says the acquisition reinforces its commitment to providing a full spectrum of marketing and print solutions under one roof. Ronan Conway, Managing
Director of P+D, said: “Delta Display Ireland has been a respected name in the Irish display and promotional marketing industry for many years. We are proud to bring their business under the P+D umbrella, combining our shared values and complementary strengths. This acquisition allows us to become a
Key Features
» Full-colour printing at 160 m/min
» Mass batch prints of tens of thousands of pages may be created at high speeds through the use of the unwinder and rewinder
» Print server featuring Fujifilm Business Innovation’s unique technology provides high quality output and rapid processing
» High-speed, large volume printing of variable data (Mercury RIP, industry standard PPML, PDF/VT-1, PDF/ VT-2)
» Pigment inks with high concentrations
» High-quality, highdefinition prints up to 1,200 x 1,200 dpi
larger, more agile organisation – giving us greater scale, capacity and capability across every part of our operation. For our customers, this means access to a wider range of services, faster turnaround times and deeper expertise across print, display and visual communications.”
DURST
Durst joins FESPA’s ‘Adopt A School’ initiative
The FESPA Foundation has announced a partnership with Durst Group that will see the company participate in the ‘Adopt a School’ initiative, a project that aims to leverage the power of print to improve the lives of children in underserved communities. The initiative connects printing businesses with schools in dire need of resources, primarily in South Africa. Currently, the schools involved with the initiative are based in Limpopo, but the FEPSA Foundation plans to expand to Malawi, Kenya and Tanzania. The programme goes beyond supplying printed educational materials – it also addresses critical needs such as safe infrastructure, food security and basic facilities like clean and functional toilets.
The FESPA Foundation is inviting companies interested in supporting the initiative to learn more and get involved by visiting www. fespafoundation.com
From humble beginnings on Cork Street, Dublin 8 in September 1995, to multiple locations throughout Ireland in 2025, Premier Paper was founded by brothers Chris and Will Enright. “We saw a gap in the market to offer a strong personalised service. Customer service has always been at the core of our values,” said Will Enright, Managing Director.
He adds: “Our business has witnessed incredible changes within the industry over the past 30 years, with huge leaps in printing technologies, from litho dominance to digital, large-format and now AI. When we began, we had 14 competitors; now there are less than a handful.”
Premier Paper initially set up to service the large printing community based in Dublin’s city centre. “At that time, I would say there was in excess of 100 printers located within a two-mile
The initiative connects printing businesses with schools in dire need of resources
circumference of our base on Dublin’s Cork Street. As our business grew and the market developed, we moved to our current location at Park West, Dublin 12 in 2002. We chose this purposely-built premises for its central location along the M50 motorway. It gave us the opportunity to expand out to other areas of the country and now we supply to all 32 counties on the island.”
Premier Paper currently operates from two warehouses in Dublin and Cork, servicing customers using its own vehicles. “We are currently in the process of opening our latest facility in Belfast to better service our growing presence there. We are proud to be Ireland’s last remaining Irish-owned independent paper merchant. Being independent allows us the freedom and flexibility to make fast decisions and keep ahead of the changing times.”
Premier Paper celebrates 30 years in business
6 NORTHSIDE GRAPHICS
Celebrating 15 years of outstanding service
Sales Team Manager Kay Bell recently celebrated 15 years at Northside Graphics. Commenting on the milestone, Managing Director Richard Campbell said: “Since day one, Kay has been a valued member of the team, consistently delivering excellence, supporting colleagues and helping the business grow to what it is today. For her commitment and hard work, this recognition is well-deserved. Here’s to Kay and many more milestones ahead!”
Sappi enters book paper market
Sappi Europe has announced the expansion of its Galerie portfolio with the launch of Galerie Book, a mechanical uncoated paper tailored to the specific needs of the book publishing market. “Book publishers have been seeking greater supply chain resilience and more options in the book paper segment,” says Joonas Järvinen, Sappi Head of Sales, Galerie Book. “With the development of Galerie Book as part of our Galerie brand family, we’re providing publishers with a credible alternative that matches the technical specifications demanded by the market while delivering the sustainability performance they require.” Sappi says the new product allows publishers and printers to seamlessly adopt a new supplier whilst maintaining their existing workflows and quality expectations. It performs well across multiple printing technologies including heatset, coldset and digital printing. The product has already proven its capabilities through successful trials with multiple leading customers across Europe, with commercial orders now being delivered.
SWSC achieves new global standard in data protection
SWSC (Smurfit Westrock Security Concepts) has transitioned its Information Security Management system to the new ISO27001:2022 standard.
ISO 27001 is the world’s best-known standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It provides a systematic and comprehensive approach to managing and protecting sensitive information within an organisation. Peter Thomas, Managing Director at SWSC, said: “The ISO 27001 standard provides a structured framework for managing information security risks in SWSC, thereby enhancing our resilience. It demonstrates our commitment to data protection, which strengthens customer trust and loyalty.”
TPI
TPI brings the WOW
Made using recyclable materials, The Printed Image recently printed and installed an Aperol Spritz camper van WOW display. TPI says the eye-catching and brand-driven unit does exactly what a WOW display should do: “heers to bold designs and eco-friendly choices!”
The sky’s the limit
A skydive by 13 staff members from Ballyprint, Impro Printing and Perfect Day Print has raised over £15,000 for Northern Ireland Hospice. The event was organised in memory of Johnny Haywood, a well-known figure in the print industry who worked at Heidelberg for over two decades. “We’re beyond proud of our amazing staff who bravely took on the challenge of skydiving from 15,000 feet. A big shoutout to the fantastic team at Skydive Ireland… what an unforgettable experience,” said Director Aaron Klewchuk.
Print Media Technician Programme
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Suitable for participant from all sectors of the industry (Litho, Digital, Finishing, Large Format, Packaging, Labels, Services).
Starting Autumn 2025
Run over 2 years
Delivered through prominently on-line tutor led classes
Working with the trainees and the companies.
Get in touch
087 - 2565068
www.dppskillnet.ie
joe@dppskillnet.ie
Accreditation provided on completion of the course.
This DPP Skillnet programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
IT’S A
PRESTIGE SIGNS has upped its production capability with the installation of a Mimaki JFX500-2131 grand format flatbed UV printer
COLOSSAL DIFFERENCE”
SUPPLIED and supported by Spectrum Digital, the new printer has already helped Dublin-based Prestige Signs deliver significant efficiencies, helping the business complete a high-volume contract in half the expected time.
When a major contract materialised in 2024, Production Director John Nolan recognised that existing production capacity was going to be tested. “We were running an older Mimaki flatbed, which we’d been happy with in terms of quality,” he says. “But we had a lot of work coming in and knew we needed something faster. We took our time to evaluate the options.” John adds: “When we realised that Spectrum Digital could
We
now have the capacity to run all our jobs during the normal working day, which is a game changer
supply and support the Mimaki range locally, that made the decision to investigate things further even easier.”
Spectrum ran live samples to prove performance and the difference was immediate. “It was considerably quicker than what we had, it hit the right price point and the results were excellent,” says John. “We placed the order and it’s been going extremely well since.”
The company’s new JFX500 was put straight to work producing large quantities of polycarbonate panels for light boxes with great efficiency. Printing time has been reduced with no sacrifice to quality. The 3m x 2m panels had previously been printed overnight due to long cycle times, taking up to eight hours each. With the new flatbed, Prestige Signs saw an instant increase in productivity.
“Printing takes a fraction of the time we previously required,” John says. “The big panels used to take up to eight hours – that has reduced dramatically. It’s a colossal difference. We now have the capacity to run all our jobs during the normal working day, which is a game changer.”
The ability of the JFX500 to efficiently handle white ink was another performance highlight. “It’s perfect for what we do. The speed and quality of Mimaki’s opaque white are both spot on and make a big difference to our overall productivity.”
Prestige Signs has benefited from the local backup of authorised Mimaki partner, Spectrum Digital, finding the team both prompt and effective. “Any time we needed assistance, we were looked after straight away by both Spectrum and [UK & Ireland Mimaki distributor] Hybrid Services. We’ve been really happy with how we’ve been supported. It’s reassuring to have that kind of service behind you.”
John Nolan, Production Director, Prestige Signs, with the Mimaki JFX500-2131 flatbed UV printer
It’s said that no two days in the print industry are the same and it’s so true
Taking the
The Managing Director at Ballyprint chats about her big win at this year’s Irish Print Awards and why it’s all about championing her staff to succeed
Congratulations on winning the ‘Women Leading in Print’ award
Thank you! I wasn’t actually there, but Aaron FaceTimed me from the event to give me the news. I was delighted but also surprised because I’ve only been in the print industry for two and a half years.
How did you get into the industry?
Through Aaron, who’s my brother-in-law. He had joked about me coming to work for him and managing Ballyprint for years. My background is in retail and I’ve worked in various stores throughout my career, including River Island for just short of 20 years where I worked my way up to store manager. Eventually it got to the stage where I needed a change. It was also getting harder and harder to put on a pair of heels every morning, so I took up a role at Screwfix. Back then, there were only eight stores in Northern Ireland. I took over the outlet in Ballymena which had been struggling. Within eight weeks, I had pretty much doubled its turnover and built it up to be the biggest and busiest store in Northern Ireland. I then moved onto the Coleraine branch. It got to a point where I was just regurgitating the same thing every day so I decided to do a diploma in HR. That’s when Aaron reached out – with the HR diploma and 30 years of management under my belt, he asked if I would take on the Managing Director role at Ballyprint.
It must have been a big change
Huge. The only thing that wasn’t a big change was working in a male-dominated industry. Screwfix was extremely maledominated. Customers, management – they were all generally men. Only 30% of the workforce in Screwfix were women, if even that. So that side of the business was fine, but really I was starting from the bottom up. As soon as I joined, I was straight onto the production floor with the guys to figure out how everything worked. Initially it was overwhelming, but over time I learned the ropes.
Are you glad you made the move into print?
At the start I kept thinking, what on earth have I done? To go from fashion to power tools and then to print – all big changes. When it comes to the print industry, what I love seeing is the end result. It’s so satisfying. I also enjoy the people. I’m dealing with such a different variety of people all the time; it’s said that no two days are the same in the print industry and it’s so true. We do a lot of work with churches and charities too and that’s very fulfilling.
We did a charity skydive for Northern Ireland Hospice recently, in memory of Johnny Haywood who worked for Heidelberg. His wife, Catherine, is a finisher at Impro Printing. It was an amazing experience and so great to raise money for such a worthwhile charity. We also supported Ballymena Pride this year, which was the first year for the event.
What does your role entail on a day-to-day basis?
It’s not actually that different from retail management. It’s all about planning, setting priorities and dipping in and out of various departments, ensuring jobs are progressing and dealing with issues as they arise. My role is really to support everyone, from production through to the office. I take a lot of the pressure off Aaron to let him get on with driving all the various businesses forward.
What do you attribute the award to?
I think it’s partly down to my HR background. I probably do a lot for the team when it comes to supporting them and making sure they’re happy in their roles. We have a team talk every morning and previously, it was probably a bit boring and tedious. Now, we’ve injected a bit of fun into it. Small things like that make a big difference.
Is there anything about the print industry that has surprised you?
The sheer size of it. I didn’t realise how big and diverse it is. Aaron has built up really good relationships with other print firms, so it’s been great getting to know them.
Are you enjoying the role?
I love it. One of my biggest ambitions is to champion people who want to succeed. We recently had an open position for a graphic designer and got a huge amount of interest in it. Several of the candidates had great experience, but one person stood out to me. She wasn’t as experienced as everybody else but we decided to give her a chance and she’s doing so well. She had never been given the opportunity to show what she can do. We also take part in the Job
Start scheme. One young guy who was only 17, straight out of school and no experience, is now looking after our large format. His development has been amazing to see. I’ve been working hard to get more women working here at Ballyprint too. When I started, it was just me and one other woman. Now, there are far more women employed here. It’s not 50-50 yet, but it’s not too far off.
W&G Baird Managing Director Patrick Moffett on striking gold at this year’s Irish Print Awards and why success is down to the team
I still “
LOVE THE BUZZ”
Congratulations on winning the Print of the Year award
Thank you very much! I have to say, it was a bit of a surprise. I had no idea. We were absolutely thrilled to receive it.
How is business going?
We’re very busy across several of our sectors. The summer months are traditionally a difficult time for printers, but we’ve been lucky. We’re certainly busier than last year, which is positive.
What do you attribute the award to?
To the teamwork within our organisation and the improvements we’ve made in our business over the last couple of years. We’ve invested quite a lot in technology and we have two full-time developers now, which gives us better data and information across the business and allows us to measure and manage what we’re doing to a level of accuracy that we previously
couldn’t reach. Those aspects have really helped us to improve the overall quality of what we do. We also have an excellent team and it’s their professionalism that has directly contributed to the longevity of the business.
What’s your own background in the industry?
I joined W&G Baird in 1993. My uncle had previously owned the business. It wasn’t a given that I’d join the family business but when I did, I discovered a love for it. There are many milestones I’m proud of – the link to the Belfast Telegraph and our role in printing the Good Friday Agreement. I remember the presses printing it and our folding machines folding it. It was a big job that all of the factory was working on. It’s something I’m immensely proud of.
How many staff members do you have?
We have 90 members of staff. Recruiting staff is a challenge and probably the biggest one we’ve faced over the past five or six years. We’ve actually brought in a number of staff through the Skilled Workers visa. They have come to us with a certain level of skills, which is great. There’s a perception that the print industry isn’t an attractive sector for young people and of course, it’s true to say that there are sexier industries. Recruitment and retention is an ongoing battle, one that became more difficult after Covid.
busy and then quiet again. In previous years, I believe the peaks and troughs were more predictable and you could plan around them. Now, they don’t always follow the same pattern. Probably the biggest surprise we’ve seen is the big Christmas rush that we used to get. We would have been busy from September to Christmas but over the last four or five years, we’ve started to see much quieter periods in that timeframe.
Why do you think that is?
I’m not sure. I would imagine that some of the material that was previously printed has migrated to alternative media formats. Printing is now just one of several marketing channels, it’s not the major one anymore.
Are there any new sectors that you’re planning on expanding into?
We have moved into the education and public space. School books across Ireland and the UK is still a relatively strong sector. Thanks to our location in the UK and in the EU single market, we’re currently doing some work for publishers who see that as an advantage. They can ship to the UK and to the EU.
You don’t know exactly what you’re going to be doing from one week to the next. You have to react to things and you have to make quick decisions, but you also have to plan for the long term
You also get
a
large amount of work from the south
We do. Our first sales office was opened in Dublin in around 1885 so we’ve been doing business on an all-Ireland basis for a long time. That has continued through all the trials and tribulations and political changes that have taken place in Ireland over the years.
What is it about the industry that you particularly love?
It certainly keeps you on your toes. I like the people I work with and I also really like the fact that through this industry, I’ve made a lot of friends in the North and the South. I still love the buzz of it too. You don’t know exactly what you’re going to be doing from one week to the next. You have to react to things and make quick decisions, but you also have to plan for the long term.
Are you
optimistic
about the future of the print industry?
I am. There are definitely opportunities for a printer running a well-run business within this sector. It’s a great industry to be in.
TECHNOLOGY
A new Xerox Iridesse at School Print Resources is setting the print firm up for expansion
SCALING UP
There’s a lot more to educational print than just ink on paper
Family-run Dublin print firm School Print Resources has installed a new Xerox Iridesse Production Press, a move intended to strengthen the firm’s role as a go-to supplier of print-related products for schools and colleges. From its humble beginnings as a specialist binding company, School Print Resources has consistently evolved in response to the needs of Ireland’s education sector. The business pivoted to digital print in 2011 and today, supplies a range of small format, wide format and signage products to schools, colleges and educational
institutions nationwide.
Managing Director Niall Morrissey said: “We’ve always worked closely with our customers. That’s what sets us apart – we listen, we adapt and we deliver. Over the years, we’ve become more than just a print provider. We’re a trusted advisor, particularly in helping schools communicate more effectively through printed materials. Whether it’s student planners, classroom signage, open day banners or graduation programmes, we’re proud to be part of the everyday fabric of school life in Ireland.”
We’re proud to be family-run, proud to be Irish and above all, proud to support the educators who shape the future. With this latest investment, we’re ready for the next chapter
investment has also enabled upgrades across the business including a new Epson and finishing equipment. The company has 8,000sq ft of production space over two floors and created three new jobs in the last 12 months, with more planned as part of its next growth phase.
The team at School Print Resources actively engages with schools to co-develop custom solutions, from branded learning tools to health and safety signage and everything in between. “There’s a lot more to educational print than just ink on paper. It’s about communicating values, building pride and helping schools create a sense of identity. We’ve worked on everything from multilingual signage for diverse campuses, to wall graphics that promote student wellbeing. Our job is to make sure schools have the tools they need to inspire, inform and lead, said Niall.
Pat Boland, Head of Production Sales at Xerox Ireland, said: “The Xerox Iridesse is the latest in a series of technology upgrades that support School Print Resources’ reputation for quality, reliability and innovation. It also aligns with their environmental commitment, offering low waste and energy-efficient production that supports schools’ sustainability goals.”
The new Xerox Iridesse Production Press allows for six-colour single-pass printing, including metallics, clear and white toner and fluorescent colours. This opens up a range of creative possibilities for educational materials such as certificates, promotional pieces and custom signage.
“We were impressed by the versatility of the Iridesse,” Niall said. “It’s not just about speed and quality – though it has more than exceeded our expectations on both. It’s about giving our customers something extra. That could be a vibrant open evening poster with metallic accents or a school prospectus with premium finishes that rival commercial marketing brochures. With Iridesse, we’re able to elevate the print experience for every educator and student we work with.”
The investment forms part of a wider strategy to scale operations and meet increasing demand for both physical and digital print services. In recent years, School Print Resources has seen growing interest from education boards, multi-campus colleges and training providers. The new round of
Niall also acknowledged the long-standing partnership with Xerox Technical Services as a key part of their success. “Ronnie and the support team from Xerox have been with us every step of the way – they’re as much a part of our business as any team member. That kind of support, built over many years, gives us huge confidence.
With the new Xerox Iridesse, we’ve now been exposed to the next level in production print and support. Our main investment this year was supposed to be painting the print room… now we’ve ended up with an Iridesse!”
Looking to the future, the company is exploring further investment in digital workflow automation, online ordering platforms and hybrid communication tools that blend print and digital. There are also plans to grow, building stronger partnerships with higher education institutions and education-focused NGOs.
“This isn’t just about expanding our capacity – it’s about expanding what’s possible for our customers. We’re proud to be family-run, proud to be Irish and above all, proud to support the educators who shape the future. With this latest investment, we’re ready for the next chapter,” said Niall.
Niall Morrissey, Managing Director, School Print Resources
doubles down on P+D Elitron
For P+D, managing the entire production journey under one roof is a key USP. Maintaining that quality led the firm to invest in an Elitron Kombo TAV cutting system in 2022. John Lloyd, Operations Director at P+D, said: “The installation of the Elitron Kombo TAV had a very positive impact on our operations. It significantly increased our speed and efficiency, especially for short-run and complex jobs. It also meant we no longer rely on physical dies, which reduced both setup times and costs, making us much more agile. “With the additional support and help from Atech, the Elitron Kombo TAV has been more than just a machine – it’s been a strategic asset in growing our creative capabilities, production efficiency and client satisfaction.”
Success creates a new challenge
However, the success of the first Elitron brought its own challenges. The efficiency and flexibility of the digital cutter meant more work was being routed through a single machine. “With so much more work going through one machine, we had created a potential bottleneck that could threaten all the productivity benefits we had gained. To protect our workflow, maintain quick turnaround times and support future growth, we needed to expand capacity. A second machine also gives us greater operational resilience, allowing us to run multiple jobs simultaneously. This would reduce downtime during maintenance and better balance workloads across teams. It’s not just about keeping up with demand, it’s about staying ahead of it,” said John.
A new cutting system from Elitron has allowed P+D increase efficiency and maximise workload
When it came to choosing that second system, the decision was straightforward. “We chose to invest in Elitron again because of their proven reliability, innovation and alignment with our operational needs,” John said. “Our previous experience with both Elitron and Atech was extremely positive. The machines are robust, precise and integrate seamlessly into our workflow. That trust and track record, along with the service and support from Atech, gave us confidence.”
Increasing productivity
P+D chose the new Elitron Kombo THC, a twin-head cutting system delivered and installed once again by UK and Ireland distributor, Atech. It was selected to address specific production challenges head-
John Lloyd, Operations Director, P+D
on. “One of the main issues we faced was work being held up in our finishing department, especially during peak periods, because we were relying on a single system. The THC’s twin-head cutting configuration allows us to double productivity on repeat or highvolume jobs, helping us meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.”
The installation, managed by Atech, was as smooth as the first. “We’ve worked with Atech engineers before, which was also a smooth process. This time, Allan, John and David brought the same level of professionalism and expertise. They provided thorough training for our team and have been very responsive and supportive. Knowing we have Atech’s ongoing support gives us real peace of mind.”
This guidance enabled the P+D team to get up and running in no time. “Because the system’s interface is user-friendly and similar to our previous Elitron model, the learning curve wasn’t too steep. Within a few days, operators were confidently running jobs independently.”
Measurable impact
In action, the Kombo THC has delivered immediate and impressive results. “The most impressive feature has been its twin-head cutting capability. This has effectively doubled our cutting speed. Another standout is the 3kW router, which opens up new
This partnership plays a key role in helping P+D maintain a competitive edge and deliver the high-quality, innovative solutions our clients expect
possibilities for cutting and routing thicker and more complex materials such as wood, acrylic and PVC. This capability has allowed us to expand our product range and offer clients more intricate, high-quality permanent displays and signage solutions.”
The increased automation of the Kombo THC has had a significant positive impact on P+D’s entire workflow, from loading materials to the finished product. “The automated features reduce manual handling, which cuts down on errors and speeds up the production process. Operators can focus more on quality control and less on repetitive tasks.”
The early metrics back this up. “We’ve seen approximately a 40-50% increase in cutting output compared to our previous single-head system. Additionally, setup and changeover times have been reduced by around 30%.” This has had a direct, positive impact on P+D’s clients, says John. “Faster turnaround times mean clients can bring products to market quicker, giving them a competitive edge.”
The automation is part of a bigger plan at P+D to streamline operations, improve efficiency and increase capacity. “Our overall experience working with Elitron and Atech has been extremely positive. Having a trusted relationship with both gives us confidence in the reliability of our equipment and the support network behind it. This partnership plays a key role in helping P+D maintain a competitive edge and deliver the high-quality, innovative solutions our clients expect.”
GPS Colour Graphics is staying ahead of the competition with a new Speedmaster XL 106
At its peak, the XL 106 has given us a 43% productivity boost and we still have capacity for another 20% at least
technology CHANGING GAME
GPS Colour Graphics has replaced two long perfecting machines with a new HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL 106-8P. Since 2008, the company has used B1 perfectors; this is their first HEIDELBERG press in 40 years. With reliability and value top of the priority list, the XL 106 came out on top.
“HEIDELBERG makes bold claims about the XL which we didn’t quite believe the press would live up to. However, looking at the market, we believed HEIDELBERG was the only option,” says Lorraine Bell, Director at GPS Colour Graphics. “It’s been a game changer.”
The XL has impressed the printers working at GPS. The automation makes it much easier to operate and more intelligent than any previous press they’ve worked with. As a commercial printing company, GPS runs a wide range of substrates – the XL can run 90gsm coated at top speed. That means paper wastage and powder contamination have dramatically reduced in the press hall, making for a much better working environment.
“At its peak, the XL 106 has given us a 43% productivity boost and we still have capacity for another 20% at least. It has done more runs in a year than any other machine we’ve had before, with capacity to spare. To complement this capacity increase, we have invested in a new binding line, capable of much higher speeds than our previous machine. With this new binding line complementing the firepower of the XL, we are keen to see just how much work we can throw at these machines. The sky is the limit! Thanks to our new technology, our growth plans have continued in 2025,” says Lorraine.
The automation makes it much easier to operate and more intelligent than any previous press they’ve worked with
This series of multi-million-pound investments and installations is expected to result in significant productivity gains. Previously, the postpress team would remain idle, waiting for sheets to come off the press. Sheets are now printed in good time before the finishing processes need to start. The company also owns two TH82-P Stahlfolders which support the press. The relationship with HEIDELBERG has developed further over the years, with GPS Colour Graphics using HEIDELBERG services and Saphira consumables.
HEIDELBERG Head of Sales said: “The Speedmaster XL 106 has multiple standout benefits. It’s highly energy efficient, delivers impeccable print quality and great performance. We have had a strong relationship with GPS Colour Graphics and we’re delighted that they have chosen HEIDELBERG for this investment.”
Belfast-based commercial printers GPS was founded 228 years ago. Its work ranges from public to private sectors, large volumes to small scale jobs and across virtually all printed product types.
Lorraine Bell, Director, GPS Colour with Peter Smith, Sales Representative, HEIDELBERG UK
BEER FOR BOOKS
One of Japan’s largest second-hand book retailers has partnered with a Japanese brewery to launch a limited-edition beer brewed especially for book readers. BOOK IPA was created through a partnership with second-hand book retailer Value Books and Coedo Brewery, bringing together two companies with complementary approaches to sustainability – one extending the life of books while the other upcycling ingredients such as sweet potatoes in its brewing process. To cater for readers, BOOK IPA is said to be a more subtle brew than traditional IPAs, with an alcohol content of 6% that aims to “open the senses without overwhelming them”. The beer is the first of what Value Books hopes will become a series of reading-optimised beers, with future releases planned to match different literary genres.
FRESH
From paper-packaged high street underwear to Japanese beer brewed especially for book lovers, Two Sides reports on the latest paper designs and innovations
THIS IS NOT JUST PACKAGING…
One of Britain’s biggest retailers has overhauled a large section of its menswear packaging by replacing plastic materials with paper. The whole Marks & Spencer’s Men’s Essentials range, including all men’s socks, as well as men’s woven pyjama sets and almost 40% of men’s underwear lines, is now available in FSCapproved paper packaging with paper hooks, which can be easily recycled at home. “We know we have a responsibility to do the right thing when it comes to our packaging by reducing unnecessary plastic,” said Katharine Beacham, head of sustainability in clothing and home at M&S. “This one small change to our men’s essentials range will make a huge difference by removing over five million units of plastic from our supply chain.” With 20 million pairs of socks sold each year and one in five UK men purchasing their underwear and nightwear from M&S, it’s a huge move, and one that’s expected to be followed by additional product packaging being converted to paper, removing a further 3.5 million units of plastic.
We know we have a responsibility to do the right thing when it comes to our packaging by reducing unnecessary plastic
THINKING
BIG BOOK OF PACKAGING
Leading packaging company Antalis has launched a new publication that provides a comprehensive guide to packaging materials, innovative designs and sustainable solutions. Available to download for free, the book delivers detailed information on packaging materials and their applications, packaging designs and solutions, and the environmentally responsible options that cater to today’s ecoconscious consumer. “Effective packaging isn’t just about material costs,” says Chris Liddell, Antalis Packaging Director UK. “It’s about minimising damage, optimising cost per pack and enhancing the customer experience from unboxing to disposal. This book demonstrates the knowledge that Antalis Packaging has and the strategies we use to help our customers and businesses balance cost management with sustainability and efficiency, whether through using less materials, optimising design, choosing non-plastic alternatives or automation of packaging using the latest machine technology.”
TOP CAP
With paper and fibre alternatives gradually replacing traditional plastic packaging in the supermarkets, the plastic caps of aerosol cans are the latest to receive a more sustainable makeover. French packaging manufacturer WIMBÉE has developed the first cardboard cap, using German company Koehler Paper’s NexCoat Smart flexible packaging paper on the cap’s surface. According to the press release, the paper’s high fold-crack resistance provides excellent laminating, shaping and printing properties on the cardboard’s surface. “Koehler NexCoat Smart is ideally suited to the challenge of creating a greener and, in particular, recyclable alternative to standard caps,” said Bettina Bastien, Brand Owner Manager for Flexible Packaging Paper at Koehler Paper. “It is made of renewable raw materials and can be reused multiple times within the established paper recycling process.”
This book demonstrates the knowledge that Antalis Packaging has and the strategies we use to help our customers
THE ART OF PAPER
Paper and packaging company James Cropper has teamed up with artist Nathan Ward to create a stunning 3D work of art made entirely from moulded fibre and paper. The diorama, titled ‘Message in a Wrap’, was inspired by James Cropper’s 180-year legacy of craftsmanship and packaging innovations and highlights its partnership with premium whisky distillery Bruichladdich. The artwork depicts Bruichladdich’s Isle of Islay-based distillery side-by-side with James Cropper’s historic Burneside mill. “There’s a natural synergy between the James Cropper and Bruichladdich businesses, with both placing an emphasis on their rich heritage, sustainability and innovation,” said Jordan Scott, marketing communications manager at James Cropper. “And there’s a compelling parallel between whisky-making and paper production, as both processes delicately transform raw materials into something more elegant and refined.”
www.twosides.info
CAREERS
MY FIRST JOB
in print was for Northcliffe Newspaper group based at the Derby Evening Telegraph Newspaper production site, where we had fresh papers delivered to our desks every day. For around a year and a half, my role was Mac Operator and I was part of the team responsible for the production of reader travel offer adverts. This involved setting up adverts to go to all the regional newspapers in the group on a weekly basis. The work was all about speed, using templates, following styles and learning shortcuts to get the text set as quickly as possible as there was a huge amount to get through every week. It was repetitive and deadline focused – each newspaper had different cut-off times and there was no changing the deadlines. This was a huge learning curve where I learned discipline and how to manage my time. Software and technology are always changing and at that time, we were using Quark Express on a Mac. We then changed over to InDesign on PC which wasn’t difficult but to ensure we could continue fast production, we had to retrain very quickly.
This job taught me about the technical aspects of setting artwork for print, as well as design, which I had studied to ensure quality and legibility of work in the newspaper print. I also learned to prioritise key information when words needed to be cut down quickly. This experience became part of my skillset which I could build on in my later career.
I loved seeing my work in print. Even though they were fairly simple adverts, it was satisfying to know I had been part of the production and that I had made my little mark. This first taste of having work in print inspired me to develop my career in print and design, which I did when I moved my life and career over to Ireland.
Jenny Davis on the joy of seeing her work in print
WHERE IT ALL
STARTED
In school, I knew I wanted to work in visual design. I focused on art and design courses which included print techniques, photography and my very first look at Photoshop, sometime in the late 90’s. I completed my degree in Visual Communication at UCE in Birmingham. A huge advantage was getting work experience. In school, I spent time in an illustration company where it was all manual –cutting and pasting with a scalpel, not a computer. Later on, I also got experience in a design agency and a graphic design company which helped me get the job in the newspaper. In my current role as Marketing Director at 3D Printing Ireland, the skills I have learned throughout my career benefit my role day to day. The mix of creative, technical and project management skills are essential in 3D printing, as much as the rest of the printing industry. The work is varied and every day is different; we could be working on a 6ft brand piece, architecture model or lots of small production parts using ever-changing technology. We’re always adapting. I hope that in the future, I can encourage others to develop their journey in the print and design industry.
This first taste of having work in print inspired me to develop my career in print and design, which I did when I moved my life and career over to Ireland
Jenny Davis is Marketing Director at 3D Printing Ireland
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