Hammer Packaging invests in Speedmaster XL 106 from Heidelberg

‘It has become evident over the last few years that we need to have a tactical mix of large and small format presses,’ said Jim Hammer, president and CEO. ‘We were looking to add to our existing range of 40-inch offset presses, and we felt that the XL 106 provided the best value in the market.’

According to Hammer, the press is performing as promised — running maximum speeds of 18,000 sheets per hour with impressive make-ready times and automatic plate changes in fewer than three minutes. In just over three months of production, the press counter is already showing 19 million impressions, and the company intends to further increase throughput by running shifts 24/7.

Hammer Packaging purchased its first new Heidelberg press — a CD 102 — in 2004. In 2010, Hammer Packaging became the first customer in North America to install a Speedmaster CX 102. The XL 106 marks the company’s latest acquisition in its strategic investment plan, and is expected to help achieve its goal of doubling business in the next eight years.

‘We are always striving to be better and more efficient,’ Hammer said. ‘As we continue to grow and evolve, we understand the importance of investing in leading-edge technology to leverage our business. Aside from our growing partnership, we are constantly impressed with the innovative solutions that Heidelberg provides.’

A litho-based label producer, Hammer Packaging has remained dedicated to investing in equipment to maintain its strong competitive advantage in the food and beverage industry. Its core philosophy has been to reinvest 10 percent of annual sales into new technology each year. In the last 10 years alone, the company has invested more than $100M USD in new technology.