Franklin Web has completed the construction of its brand new specialised web offset facility in Huntingwood, NSW, with the site now fully commercial.

Comlpeted head of schedule, live production has commenced across the new manroland 80-page Lithoman press and Muller Corona perfect binder. A second 80-page Lithoman press has already been ordered and is planned to go live next August.

Franklin is now a subsidiary of IVE Group business Blue Star, it was purchased in December 2016 along with AIW Printing, in a $116m investment, which saw AIW move into Frankin’s Victoria factory. Former Franklin owner Phil Taylor remains in charge of the business.

Warwick Hay, managing director, IVE Group, says, “Part of the move into NSW is about having a presence here to better service our customers.

“It is an exciting story for the industry, a highly automated, advanced plant.

“We are running it as a satellite operation, and will employ a number of people including professional printers and binding staff.

“We had the plant up and running before time, and have been running ever since, it is now fully commercial.

“The collaboration between IVE, building contractors, and major equipment suppliers to deliver this project in a highly compressed timeframe has been exemplary”.

Franklin Web says it is focused on high levels of automation producing both innovative and efficient retail catalogue production for leading retailers across the country.

IVE says expansion into NSW provides greater flexibility and speed to market for national retail customers utilising like for like equipment and suppliers for consistent production across its broader footprint.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter