Benson Box buys Speedmaster XL 106

- Heidelberg press to boost capacity at folding carton firm

- First press purchase since MBO in late 2011 by Mark Kerridge and Nick Benson

 
Benson Box, the Bardon, Leicestershire headquarters of UK-based independent folding carton manufacturer Benson Group, is to purchase a Speedmaster XL 106, the new 18,000sph B1 press unveiled by Heidelberg at Drupa in early May.
 
The machine is specified with six printing units running UV inks and a dedicated coater, which is a match for the two existing Speedmaster XLs, which have become the preferred choice of the Bardon plant. The new press replaces a competitor’s B1-format press.
 
It is the first press purchase since managing director Mark Kerridge and commercial director Nick Benson led a management buyout of the company at the end of 2011.
 
Kerridge (pictured, top) said: ‘Our first Speedmaster XL 105 marked a step change in performance with improvements in quality, make-ready and running speed. Its 46 million sheets a year output has been matched by the second machine.
 
‘With the various improvements on this latest model, the Speedmaster XL 106, we anticipate an even higher output still. The Bardon site already generates a £50 million turnover but with this additional capacity could see further growth still.’
 

Cost competitiveness

Also featured on the press is Prinect Axis Control, a spectral measurement device that includes the ability to scan in and store company specific Pantone colors. Logistics, the automatic delivery of pallets to the press and removal of finished work pallets from the press, adds to the production efficiency and fits with the Benson’s focus on lean manufacturing.
 
Kerridge added: ‘The spec matches the requirements of our particular markets and, being consistent with previous installations, continues to build on the site’s ability to respond flexibly to our very dynamic market place. The ability to produce any job on any press enables the site to print over 1,250 jobs each month.
 
‘For our customers it means we can deliver a world-class performance, providing continuous improvement in quality, service and cost competitiveness. The continuous drive to deliver “more for less” to the consumer is even more important in the current economic climate.’
 
Read more on Heidelberg here
Read more on Benson here
Read more on the folding carton market here