Investment programme concluded

Healeys refreshes with Horizon binder install

The BQ-500 iCE Binder is currently scheduled for installation in September
The BQ-500 iCE Binder is currently scheduled for installation in September

Healeys has concluded a £650,000 investment programme with the order of a Horizon BQ-500 iCE perfect binder from Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS).

The Ipswich-based B2 litho and digital printer said it has developed long-term relationships with creative agencies, property, and fine art markets as a result of its dedication to high end design, and ensuring the continued delivery of this was a vital element of its latest spend.

Current pricing for the EVA version of the BQ-500 iCE Binder starts from £130,000. Healeys’ model, which features interchangeable EVA and PUR glue tanks, is currently scheduled for installation in September.

Healeys managing director Philip Dodd said: “There are lots of amazing and different businesses in the industry including the large, production efficient operations and the successful online companies.

“We operate in the more creative space, offering something a little bit different, taking time to help with advice and guidance. We need to be confident that we can give clients what they want.

“We also want to be as good as we can be, and the Horizon BQ-500 will help with that. It will ensure we can manage the work from our newest investments and enable us to produce a slightly larger book size.

“A lot of our work is short run, complex jobs and the binder will perfectly support that.”

Healeys’ BQ-500 iCE Binder is equipped with cloud-based iCE LiNK workflow that provides access to an intuitive easy to use dashboard.

It boasts real time production analysis reporting for improved efficiency and profitability, remote update capabilities, and scheduled maintenance resulting in less downtime.

“It replaced our existing Horizon BQ-470 binder that was 17 years old. That was a great machine and we had very little downtime with it,” said Dodd.

“We also have a StitchLiner Mark III that is five years old. The Horizon systems are robust and just work very very well.”

He added: “We are now catching up after Covid-19. We have been having a strong year with May our best month so far and June shaping up to be good too. We want our technology to be as effective as it can be, and we know we can trust Horizon systems to do just that.”

Healeys has a turnover of just under £4m and employs 34 staff who specialise in short-run four-colour work and fine art printing at the company’s 1,300sqm site.

Late last year the business installed a Konica Minolta AccurioShine 3600 UV spot coater with iFoil hot foil stamping module, while an HP Indigo 7K followed in early 2024.