After spending nine months assessing the options, including machines from Durst, HP, and Xeikon, JH Label Solutions chose the new UV inkjet from Screen in July to increase its job capacity. Installation began this week.
Based in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, the family-run company wanted a digital solution to complement its existing flexo label lines in order to respond to increasing requirements for shorter run lengths. It chose the Screen for its UV inkjet technology that has a top speed of 60m/min.
“Reliability is a major factor,” said general manager David Hedley. “This will be our first Screen press, but the company’s reputation for reliability, which we have experienced for many years with using Screen machines, was a factor in our decision.
“Several visits to Screen in Holland persuaded us we are going to have an extremely productive press when you combine the running speed with the uptime.
“Our customers expect premium quality print. With the new Screen press we’ll be able to offer something different in the extended gamut, which in turn will meet stringent quality requirements, in addition to providing a faster service.”
According to Hedley, the new Truepress offers “the best opacity available on digital”. It is being installed as part of a broader £1.5m investment into increasing the capacity of the group. The spend also included a Digicon Series 3 label embellishment line, Hybrid Software automation software and a Lundberg Tech waste handling system.
The Jet L350UV+ features proprietary screening technology with one of the smallest droplet technologies commercially available. Colour gradations, image and text detail are achieved by the system’s high-resolution screening and ink spread compensation software functionality.
It has a wide-gamut proprietary inkset and Vivid Color Mode printing, while a stable transport mechanism controls paper feeding to prevent meandering and maintain optimal transfer conditions for registration accuracy.
Named for its founder when established in the 1920s, the James Hamilton Group began as a supplier of wrapping papers and twine. Today, overseen by James Hamilton’s great grandson Keith, the group is made up of divisions including label solutions, print, packaging, and office supplies. The group turns over £12m, according to Hedley, and label solutions makes up £2.5m.
James Hamilton Group employs 96 staff, including the 25-strong Label Solutions team.
