Same Day Service on the Horizon

The holy grail of same day job fulfilment is fast becoming a reality for Ipswich B3 short-run and fine art print specialist, Healeys Printers, following the installation of one of the UK's first Horizon BQ470jdf Perfect Binders from Graphic Arts Equipment.

The 4-clamp Horizon, features end-to-end automation for superfast makereadies, a surprisingly economic footprint, and high quality bind performance at a cycle speed of 1,350 bph with either EVA or PUR adhesives. It was installed by GAE as part of a bindery package which includes a Perfecta guillotine and an Italdibipack shrinkwrapper.

Healeys' Managing Director, Philip Dodd, explains: “When we invest we look at systems that will allow us to bring better solutions to the customer. When I saw the Horizon I knew straight away that it could make us money. We are now doing twice as much work as before and it's not purely down to better productivity, the BQ470jdf gives us a huge advantage because it expands our offering in terms of speed, quality and product variety. We believe that is the right way of looking at it. With this binder we can shorten lead times and finish the product within an hour of it leaving the press. We are moving towards same day printing.” He adds: “Our next step is to gear up our promotion to build up our local short run trade service.”

As well as the automation and ease of use, one of the big attractions of the binder is its ability to switch between EVA and PUR glue says Mr Dodd: “Being able to run both is a major plus and means we are more flexible. PUR is an extra offering that gives fantastic lay flat and binding properties - especially important for digitally printed product - and this does give customers an extra option. It's a definite value-add.”

Having already installed a Horizon StitchLiner system, Philip Dodd is familiar with the benefits of automation in the bindery, but Healeys had also run an earlier manual 4-clamp Horizon binder for many years and Mr Dodd has been equally impressed by the new system's performance: “The quality of the bind is better, the cover feeder is much improved and we get more books off in an hour. In fact there is not an area that improvements haven't been made.”

So sure of the quality of product offered by GAE was Mr Dodd that when he visited the supplier's showroom to put the BQ-470jdf through its paces he also bought a Perfecta 76 TVC guillotine, and Italdibipack Evolution Shrinkwrapper.  “As we were going to be doing more perfect binding it made sense to invest in the guillotine… with the set up being automatic, it saves us a lot of time. We wanted something that would be pretty quick. I also believe the shrinkwrapper is another way to add value to our customer's products.”


As for his relationship with GAE he says: “I believe GAE provides the finest finishing equipment, particularly for B3 print. Horizon is always looking at ways of improving the machines. When new models are launched they include new developments that make a difference. It is that kind of continual enhancement which is very important.”

Healeys is no stranger to investing in new technology. It was the first printer in the UK to install Heidelberg's Speedmaster SM 52-8-P Anicolor press. It has also hit the acquisition trail with the recent purchase of Red Ink in Ipswich - a purchase which adds large format and web design capabilities to Healeys as well as lifting turnover to nearly £4m and increasing staff numbers to 42.