The kit, which was supplied by Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS), has replaced two existing BQ-270 single-clamp perfect binders at the global print, packaging and supply chain company’s Newcastle operation.

The BQ-480 was installed in early summer 2019 and was followed around three months later by the HT-80.

Working inline, the new equipment will complete fast turnaround short-run digital work produced by three HP Indigos and some overspill work from the firm’s four Heidelberg litho presses.

Elanders production manager David Lewis said: “We were managing an increasing amount of short-run jobs and needed to invest in more perfect binding capabilities to meet our customer demands.

“We know how the Horizon systems run so it was an ideal solution to introduce. We just needed something to help us increase our ability to match the rise in volume of work.”

Suitable for the production of high-quality books up to 65mm, the highly automated 800bph BQ-480 enables quick setup and a fast production speed for variable production.

The automated three-knife HT-80 trimmer features software that helps minimise downtime at makeready, reduces waste, increases staff flexibility and allows constant job information management.

Both machines are operated via an icon-based colour touchscreen and can store up to 200 jobs for faster makereadies.

“We can complete our digital jobs much faster which means they can be finished efficiently and go straight out the door to the client,” said Lewis.

“There is no need to move work around the plant and that saves us time and money. There is also a reduced need for overtime, and it has given us breathing space in scheduling. It has even increased our production capacity, which would not have been possible before.”

180 staff work at Elanders’ £24m-turnover Newcastle operation.