Warners Midlands says work is now underway on the installation of the 10-unit sheetfed press at the company's site in Bourne Lincolnshire. Though primarily a web printer (their most recent web press being installed in early 2020), the new sheetfed press will mainly be used for covers and short-run work. The press will be equipped with reel-to-sheet technology, allowing a wider range of paper to be used and cost-reduction through efficiencies.
The press was selected after an in-depth review of all the models in the market, added the company, with Warners choosing the one that best met their needs. Michael Warner, marketing director, commented that the project team was “spoiled for choice” because of the high quality and range of machines in the market as well as the technological improvements over the last ten years when their last sheetfed press was installed. “We are really excited to see the benefits of the new technology both in regard to quality and in the reduction of waste as we continue our sustainability journey”. The company added that familiarity with the user interface and an existing relationship with Man Roland were also key factors in the decision.
Sustainability has long been a driving force for Warners as part of their ISO 14001 Certification, and “there is a real focus on producing print as efficiently and as sustainably as we can.” In 2023 Warners installed their third solar panel array, replaced conventional lighting with LEDs throughout the factory and embarked on energy-saving projects that have cut energy usage by 1 gigawatt hour a year so far.
The press is due to be up and running by March, Warners continued, and sign-off will only take place once the press has been fully tested and they are satisfied with quality and training levels.
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