16 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk September | October 2026 - Issue 362 printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink printmonthly KIT & CONSUMABLES | NEWS Zenith Print invests in HEIDELBERG Speedmaster Welsh print and packaging specialist, Zenith Print Group, has invested in a new HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL 106-5-P+L, a five-colour combination perfecting press which it anticipates will deliver a production capacity increase of around 35%. The new press will join the company’s existing fleet, which already includes two Speedmaster XL 106 presses, to further enhance speed and flexibility across its operations. The new Speedmaster will provide Zenith with a flexible platform for both commercial and packaging production. Combining five-colour printing, perfecting, and coating, the press is designed to support efficient makereadies, productive job changeovers, and consistent high-quality output. Joseph Towler, chief executive officer at Zenith Print Group, says: “Our customers expect us to react quickly and adapt to changing demands. Whether in the context of a commercial print job or of packaging production, they rely on us for fast turnaround times and maximum flexibility. The new Speedmaster XL 106 gives us the agility to switch efficiently between these two business areas, helping us respond faster and better meet our customers’ needs.” Prior to its latest investment, Zenith had already taken steps to enhance its prepress capability with the installation of two new HEIDELBERG Suprasetter devices. Both Suprasetter systems are configured with compact pallet loaders, which can load up to 1,200 printing plates and reduce manual handling in order to enable more efficient and automated plate production. With this investment, Zenith’s prepress department will be prepared to support the increased print capacity and speed of the new XL 106. Zenith Print Group’s investment also extends into postpress, with the purchase of the latest HEIDELBERG Stahlfolder TH82-P equipped with StackStar C robotics. The system combines high-output shingled folding with automated robotic stacking, providing additional automation and flexibility across Zenith’s finishing operation. By Jonathan Pert Zenith’s latest offset press combines five printing units with an integrated sheet perfecting device and an inline coating unit KennedySmith doubles production output UK-based carton manufacturer and packaging printer, KennedySmith, has reported a significant boost in efficiency following investment in a Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 press. Based in Ayrshire, Scotland, KennedySmith serves a range of packaging markets including food and pharmaceutical applications, specialising in solid board carton packaging. The purchase of the Koenig & Bauer press is part of a wider technology investment designed to ensure operational flexibility and dependable performance for fast-moving market requirements. KennedySmith has estimated that it can now achieve the same production output in three shifts that previously required six, thanks to the Rapida’s advanced automation features. Following its installation, the company’s energy bill for the first quarter of 2026 was also reduced by 26% compared with the same period last year. The Rapida 106 is designed for high-performance medium-format sheetfed offset printing, with its features focusing on fast makeready times, advanced automation, and more consistent print quality. Before making its investment decision, KennedySmith undertook a broad review of available technologies including digital and flexo options. Following print trials at various facilities, the company selected the Rapida 106 platform for its automation capabilities and overall production capacity. Third Titanium 2516 cutter purchase for two separate Nottingham printers International Graphic Supplies (IGS) has marked a new milestone with two of its longest-standing clients, with commercial printers Hickling & Squires and Sherwood Universal each taking delivery of their third Titanium 2516 digital cutter. The companies, which are both based in Nottingham, have long-standing partnerships with IGS, utilising the company’s Titanium cutting table range with the aim of driving productivity, maintaining rapid turnaround times, and scaling operations in response to increasing demand across the wide-format signage and packaging markets. IGS, a supplier of industrial digital printing and cutting solutions for the sign and manufacturing industry, offers a variety of cutters under its Titanium brand, offering features such as automated cutting, high-speed operation, and simplified software controls. For both businesses, part of the decision to continue investing in Titanium technology came down to its ability to allow for continuous production across more complex substrates like corrugated board, acrylics, and display materials. Hickling & Squires also recently completed the UK’s first installation of a Konica Minolta AccurioJet 30000 inkjet press, as part of the company’s long-term print strategy. By Jonathan Pert KennedySmith installed the Rapida 106 with advanced logistics support and inline PDF inspection The Titanium 2516 offers a multifunctional head with tools for kiss cutting, creasing, and engraving, among others
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==