The press will be installed in November, with the company currently deciding whether to replace an existing Speedmaster SM 74 or run the new press alongside it. The XL 75 is expected to deliver 30%-40% more capacity over the SM 74.
Pollards intends to use the extra throughput to achieve turnover growth of £300,000 over the next 12 months by targeting more companies operating multiple sites, with Pollards’ own web-to-print system GoDesignOnline.
“We’ll also be targeting those companies that sell through distributors. So while up until now they would supply brochures to dealers, who then add their own contact details, they can order brochures jointly so both parties’ details are included,” said sales director Douglas Myatt.
Myatt said the key reasons for opting for the XL 75 over competitor models was its high speeds, quick makeready times and proven colour consistency.
“The quick set-up times will give us more throughput. And we’re finding we’re doing a lot of quick turnaround jobs, so quicker set-ups are obviously beneficial,” said Myatt.
He added: “The Heidelberg can run different stocks – and we have a lot of clients who all use different stocks. Heidelberg's Inpress Control technology guarantees colour consistency on every job which is crucial for our clients’ brand consistency.”
“There were some less expensive alternatives but we’ve been Heidelberg printers for a number of years so we know we can rely on them. It’s a name the print managers we work with recognise too,” he added, reporting that Komori was among the other manufacturers considered.
Pollards also runs a B3 Heidelberg press, a Xerox iGen4, two Roland VersaCamm wide-format machines and extensive in-house finishing systems, including PUR binding, stitching and collating.
The company intends to invest further in post-press kit in the near future, including in guillotine equipment. It also plans to invest further in GoDesignOnline.
“Our view is we’ve got to invest in technology because nothing is standing still,” said Myatt. “With future systems, we’ll allow people to create PDFs not just for printing, so our systems will allow us to continue relationships with clients even where they’re no longer printing some products.”
Pollards is one of the oldest printers in the UK and has been owned by the same family since 1781.
