We are a commercial printer that specialises in the production of games, trading and playing cards. Based in Woolwich, London, we serve commercial clients and local government. We have two 700s: a ten-colour, as well as a five-colour that we use for the cards as it has a coating unit.
Why did you chose this particular machine?
We've had Manroland machines before and the support is excellent, the reliability is good and the after-sales support is excellent. Also, for continuity purposes, it made sense to carry on with the same manufacturer. On balance, the Manroland made the most sense.
Did you look at any similar machines?
We looked at most options for B1 presses – Heidelberg, KBA and the like – but it came down to usability, what our minders were comfortable with, what we were used to and the service packages. The Manroland package was the best.
Why did you make the purchase?
The price point and the need to be as good as we can be on cost were the major factors in our decision to buy now. To make the efficiency savings we needed to make in this tight market, this 10-colour press offered the best solution.
What features do you particularly like?
It's a very efficient machine; a quick turnaround is one of its best features. The automatic plate change is excellent, it allows the operators to multitask when that is going on. The feeder can handle any stock, and the transfer through the press is excellent and of a really high quality. The colour pilot we have also ensures colour is always consistent.
Anything you dislike?
The only thing I could possibly ask for is for it to be slightly faster. However, to be honest, it meets all our requirements.
How fast is it?
About 10,000 sheets per hour, double sided.
What is the quality like?
We have no issues with the quality at all. The colour pilot really helps with that.
How reliable is it?
We have had no major problems and smaller wear and tear problems have been dealt with very quickly by Manroland.
How was the pre- and after-sales service?
Although we have had Manroland presses before, there were obviously some new innovations with this one that our minders had no knowledge of using. Hence, when the press was installed, our guys went to Germany and Manroland talked them through all the new bits and pieces. It really got everyone up to speed quickly. As for after-sales, if you get the right service package, it's superb. We have Proserv and it's really good for us. The engineers come in around every three weeks to a month and take the press for half a day and check all the wear and tear issues and replace any problems before a breakdown occurs
Has it won you any new work or saved you money?
The machine is one part of a wider programme of improvements. We've allied the new machine with the take up of lean manufacturing in the factory, the high training levels of our staff, who are all up to NVQ levels two and three, ISO accreditations and colour monitoring. This package has definitely helped in gaining us work and providing efficiencies that save us money.
Would you say this press was value for money?
This is a good bit of kit. Its residual values are good – I'd say better than most of its peers. With this press, you can be confident that it will last a significant amount of time and that the support will be there to ensure its continual running.
Who would you say this press was suitable for?
It would suit any commercial perfecting printers.
Would you buy a another one in the future?
In the current climate, no. But if we did look for bit of new kit, we wouldn't look much further than Manroland. n
