The straight machine has been arranged with seven print units, followed by a coater, two dryers, and then a single print unit and coater. Details of the press, which was installed a year ago, have only recently become public.

James Griffin, Beamglow’s projects director, said: “This decision to replace the older seven-colour double coat litho press is part of our rolling machinery replacement policy. 

“We are using this opportunity to take advantage of market leading developments and technology, and gain flexibility, efficiency, quality, and consistency.”

He added that Heidelberg’s long pedigree, continuing developments in press manufacture and technical support had influenced Beamglow’s decision to buy from the German manufacturer.

He said: “We expect to see an overall gain throughout the process, from raw material to finished product. We have taken a holistic approach including makeready times, sheets on the floor, downtime, and quality.

“Our customers will benefit from the investment in a very highly spec’d packaging press, to maintain Beamglow’s reputation at the forefront of the industry.”

Matt Rockley, Heidelberg UK’s product executive for sheetfed and digital, said the team was proud that its machine had been chosen by Beamglow, adding that the machine’s output and efficiency had improved significantly thanks to its use of intelligent automation.

He added: “A whole range of ecological components are ensuring that the Speedmaster XL 106 minimises energy consumption, emissions, paper waste and other waste – while maximising productivity.”

Heidelberg recently revealed its latest Speedmaster, the XL 106 Highspeed Version at the manufacturer’s Wiesloch-Walldorf site in October. The new press’ print speed of up to 21,000sph would make it the fastest sheetfed offset press in the market.

Beamglow employs 150 staff at its factory in St Ives.