The 18,000sph machine will be installed in October, which also marks Superior’s 40th anniversary.
Superior operations director Richard Blueitt said: “The LE concept isn’t about cost, it’s about configurability. Whatever anyone says, this is still a developing industry, LE, and I feel happy that I am going to develop it with Heidelberg.”
Blueitt said Superior was always going to opt for LE-UV or LED-UV and considered machines from Komori and KBA before settling on the Speedmaster. He also met with a UV product team to discuss both technologies, in the end feeling that LE-inks are more advanced and LED-UV can be switched to in the future.
The five-colour-plus-coater B1 press will replace a 10-colour B1 Komori perfector.
The Drupa-spec press will feature the new Prinect Press Center XL2, interactive pad and multi-view interface, with the latest version of Inpress Control.
Superior has recently invested in other machines, purchasing two Linoprint digital presses last March. These were bought to mop up short-run and personalised jobs, with the added benefit of having white or clear varnish.
It also purchased a Muller Martini miniweb with bespoke configuration, including high-speed inkjet heads, which has reduced the need for a sheetfed perfector.
Blueitt added: “The ultimate reason to buy a Heidelberg is this press. With the latest updates we can’t wait for it to come in.
“It’s been a big learning curve and having the technical support from Heidelberg is a very important thing.”
Superior offers litho, digital and wide-format printing services plus finishing including cutting, folding, die-cutting and glueing. It employs 175 staff and has a number of blue-chip clients.
