The new B2 press, bought directly from Heidelberg, was delivered in March, with the Cutstar installed in late July.
Replacing Browns’ 2012 XL75 and Cutstar, the updated models are capable of production speeds 35% faster than before, while reducing energy usage.
Chairman Tim Guest told Printweek: “It’s just amazing.
“Obviously, we’ve had some teething issues like you would expect, but it’s fully operational and running at 15,000 impressions per hour – all cut sheet, thanks to the Cutstar – it’s an absolutely amazing machine.”
While a like-for-like swap, the upgrade has required some in-depth training, thanks to the significant updates to the Cutstar’s technology.
“It’s a completely different ballgame,” Guest added.
“So there’s a learning curve, and we’re still ongoing with training on the Cutstar – you can only train so many operators at a time.”
The new press forms part of Browns’ £2.4m Lloyds-funded “futureproofing” strategy, Guest said, adding that the firm had fortuitously taken the loan in March before interest rates had risen too far.
The money has powered a significant round of investment in new kit for the firm, which continues on from its £1.6m investment in a Heidelberg XL106 in 2020.
Aside from the latest new press and reel sheeter, the company has bought two Polar guillotines – a Polar N 137 and N 115 – and will take delivery of a brand-new Horizon stitching line in late this month.
An investment of £147,000 in solar panels in 2021 has paid large dividends, too.
At the time of installation, the panels were supposed to pay for themselves in five years – but thanks to increased energy prices, have paid back the investment in just two.
Guest said: “I thought that five years was a good return – I had no idea that energy prices were going to go through the roof.”
Browns is aiming to become a carbon-neutral business by 2028. Currently turning over £11.5m, according to Guest it would be happy to sit around £12m.
He added: “We’re going to see what opportunities arise, and basically consolidate our position. We want to build our reserves – obviously, the economy is a little bit uncertain – and it’s fair to build on what we have.”
