Suitable for processing both cut sheet and continuous stationery applications, the first machine was installed and operational in Q4 2023 while the second is due to be installed in Q1 2024.
The investment builds on the productivity and efficiency experienced by MBA at its Tottenham site, where four Fusion Cross inserters are installed, and used to process a wide range of customer communications and marketing applications.
Vinnie Murphy, production manager at MBA Warrington, said: “With a very demanding client deadline to meet, I was delighted to see the first Bowe Fusion Cross installed at Warrington by the Bowe team in record time, just four weeks from point of order.
“The Bowe engineers quickly had the Fusion Cross installed, training completed and the Fusion cycling at speeds of up to 22,000 mail pieces per hour.
“The Fusion Cross has two input channels, which means we are able to switch between different printed formats and maximise production. The Fusion Cross is very operator friendly enabling us to enclose into DL, C5 and C4 outer envelopes with quick changeovers.”
Rene Atie, machine mailing manager at MBA Warrington, added: “In my 20 years working in the print idustry, I have never seen a faster turnaround. The challenge was a two-week installation to run live work. In week one Bowe had to install, commission and test the Fusion, and in week two they had to undertake operator training for MBA staff.
“During the first day of running live work we enclosed 211,000 mail pieces in a 12-hour shift (10 hours of actual production). We have increased our mailing pack output by 40%.”
He further quipped: “Over the festive season we were delivering to homes quicker than Santa Claus himself!”
Direct marketing and transactional communications business MBA Group had originally taken on three of its Fusion Cross machines at the Tottenham site in early 2020 while the fourth was added in early 2022.
Tom Nangle, production director at MBA Group, said: “We have been so pleased with the performance and flexibility from the first four Fusion Cross inserters installed at Tottenham, coupled with the on-site service support from Bowe, so it was the logical choice to look to repeat that experience at our Warrington site as we onboard additional new clients.”
Steve Basnett, UK senior account manager for Bowe Systec, added: “We are delighted to share the trust of the MBA Group in securing further investment with our highly flexible, high speed Fusion Cross inserting systems for their Warrington site.
“The consistent and predictable output delivered by the Bowe Fusion Cross inserters means that job planning to meet client Service Level Agreements can readily be met.
“MBA Warrington also deploy a Bowe Letter Sorting System (Consolidator), plus a Bowe PCS card attaching and enclosing solution processing both plastic and cardboard constructed cards.”
