Printer invests in new press and site

A regional offset printer has signed off on a million-dollar investment that includes a five-colour press and a 50% increase in floor space.

Sunshine Coast firm GT Print will move to a new Maroochydore site in December, shortly before taking delivery of a five-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75.

The new press will replace a four-colour Speedmaster SM 74 that was installed in 2010.

Director Craig Mulligan said the fifth unit would allow GT Print to win extra work by changing many of its print jobs from two passes to one.

"We do a lot of varnishing and sealing, so having the fifth unit immediately delivers greater efficiencies and raises productivity," he said.

"We noticed that we were often losing on price because we were quoting on two passes due to the fact that we only had a four-colour press."

[Industry Insider: How to get installs right]

The new Speedmaster will also allow the 14-staff offset firm to increase its packaging capabilities by allowing it to print on thicker boards, he said.

Mulligan told ProPrint the press would partly be used for trade work, which represents about 50% of revenue – a share that is increasing.

Mulligan also said clients had responded positively to GT Print's investment. "They like the fact we're not just buying a new press, but installing it into new premises and trying to improve our business, but also operating within our means."

The relocation will increase GT Print's floor space from 480sqm to 720sqm and give it a "blank canvas" to set up the most efficient workflow possible.

Mulligan said the extra capacity was needed due to the arrival of several other pieces of Heidelberg kit in the past two years, including a guillotine and stitcher in 2011 and a folder in 2012.

"We have a great relationship with Heidelberg, they are always accessible, and it is never an issue when we need assistance. We regularly meet with [managing director] Richard Timson and his team. They know our business and we value their commitment to us," he said.

Heidelberg told ProPrint it had sold 115 Speedmaster XL 75 units in Australia and New Zealand.

[LinkedIn: How does the tax year influence your investment plans?]

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

Leave a comment:

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required

Advertisement

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Advertisement