UK converter achieves Heidelberg certification

Gavin Watson Printers is the first label printing company in the UK to attain Heidelberg ISO 12647-2 certification and to join the Heidelberg Color Club.

Chief executive Tom Brown said: ‘We handle work for some prestigious customers who rightly have the highest quality expectations and a key to that is getting color right. Labels are often brand and product sellers so getting the look exactly right is critical.

‘We have invested in first rate equipment, software and in training through Heidelberg at the Brentford Showroom. Our staff adopts a healthy “will do” mental attitude so it was relatively easy to achieve certification. It made sense for us to formalize our color management process. Now our pre-press, press and proofing is scientifically calibrated and we have the tools in place to maintain that color consistency. It gives us confidence; it gives our customers peace of mind.’

The Glasgow company is equipped with two 18,000sph with extended packaging format Speedmasters, a CD 74 – 6+L conventional press and an XL 75-6+L UV/ mixed operation machine with Autoplate XL automated plate changing . ‘These are presses that allow you to output print at B1 productivity in B2 format,’ said Brown.

The company has also been a strong proponent of digital workflow and has kept its Prinect modules up to date, including the Image Control color measurement device and the latest version of Prinect Color Toolbox color monitoring and calibration software including an Individual Quality Index, meaning that it can provide customers with percentage scoring against specific criteria. Those criteria – for instance the coloration of solids, dot gain levels, whiteness of paper and grey balance – can be weighted by the user to meet specific customer demands. 

Another feature is the award-winning Gray Balance Optimizer which is used to deliver perfect gray balance results by generation of appropriate plate calibration curves. It is a function which allows printers to achieve so called ‘near neutral’ calibrations and can also be used to create reference values for specific substrates, inks and printing presses. Gavin Watson runs Prinect Pre-press Manager, two Suprasetter CtP devices and Press Room Manager with Analyze Point and Prinect Mobile and uses Heidelberg Saphira Consumables extensively throughout its operation.

‘We have a great relationship with Heidelberg, their strength and depth in knowledge, training and service is fantastic and we know we are a valued customer this helps create an excellent partnership,’ said David McCallum, production manager of Gavin Watson.

Pictured: A close up of the Prinect Image Control system

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