Used machinery specialist White Horse Machinery sourced the £50,000 machine from the Netherlands for the company.
It was installed this week and replaced two existing two-colour GTOs at the London firm, which managing director Paul Haslam described as “our faithful workhorses”.
He said: “A two-colour B3 format press like our new Speedmaster 52 is perfect for producing the Pantone colours that are typically required in our single- and two-colour stationery printing. We still have a market for it, and long may that continue!”
The 19-strong firm has sales of around £2m, and Haslam was able to redeploy the employees that had previously been required to run two presses within the company.
Benwells runs 15 different machines at its SE1 factory, and produces a range of techniques including embossing, foil blocking, die-cutting in-house for design agencies and trade clients.
“Design agencies love to come and see us and be inspired,” Haslam added.
The firm has also just added paper marquetry to its range of services. “It requires very accurate finishing, and everything has to be absolutely bang-on,” he explained. “It complements everything else we do.”
Haslam acquired the business from the Benwell family a decade ago. Benwells will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year.
Picture shows, left to right: Ben Mavely finance manager, James Bennett factory manager, Joanne Barnett production manager, and Haslam.
