Ultragraph doubles capacity, cuts costs, with £2m spend

The Speedmaster XL 75 has helped to 'double' capacity

Ultragraph is anticipating a drop in press operating costs following an investment of nearly £2m in a 10-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75-10P and a Suprasetter 75 platesetter.
The print and packaging company, which is making its foray into the long perfector arena, has doubled its print capacity with the Speedmaster, which replaces a five- and a two-colour Heidelberg.Lancashire-based Ultragraph was originally set to opt for a dual five-colour print set-up before deciding on the XL 75 as the best way of building upon its £2.5m turnover.Managing director Nick Jones said: "Financially for us, the deal we have will cost us less in terms of operating and maintenance costs, while also running our shifts more effectively."He added: "We have seriously reduced our costs and now have a better utilisation of capital in the business, which can only be good, and we are getting a decent return on investment."The XL 75 has "at least doubled" capacity at the 25-staff company and will help cater for a client base that covers the retail and finance sectors. It will also help handle a growing level of work for the printer's recently launched online ordering site, PrintRobot.Jones said: "This configuration of the press and the increase in online demand will extend our sales base beyond its current regional level."In addition to the 10-colour press, the company has taken delivery of a Suprasetter 75 – its second platesetter – which is expected to provide a back-up service to an existing machine.