The Oxford-based family-run print and design business took delivery of the machine in August. It was supplied by Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS).
Holywell Press managing director Ben Burrows, a fourth-generation family member, said: “We’d had a Muller Martini Minuteman since the 1990s which was a good piece of equipment, but it was time to reinvest.
“We wanted a system that was ideal for the short-run fast turnaround digital print work we are now doing more and more of.
“We also wanted technology that our new recruits would be more comfortable operating. Our younger team members are very happy running our Horizon BQ-270 single-clamp perfect binder, Horizon CRF-362 folder creaser and Horizon HT-30 three-side trimmer. They like the touch screen operation and ease of set up.
“The skills set in the industry is changing and systems like these respond to that change.”
He added: “When we were looking around, we knew we needed a solution that couldn’t be slow, inefficient and uneconomical. The StitchLiner was the right kit, with the right technology. We did look at other options, but we know Horizon and have a good relationship with IFS. We also liked its robust build quality.”
Since its installation, the iCE StitchLiner Mark IV has been driving productivity at the business.
“We have been impressed by the versatility of the StitchLiner, its speed of makeready and the reduced waste,” said Burrows.
“The speed has been particularly surprising. We have a monthly magazine that we would normally fold one day and stitch the next. With the StitchLiner it was printed in the morning and completed in the afternoon. It is incredible what you can achieve.
“We have also put the system to good use in ways we had not previously considered. For example, we have been using it to create sewn sections in preparation for book production.”
The iCE StitchLiner Mark IV achieves high quality booklet production at speeds of up to 6,000bph. Its cloud-based iCE LiNK uses cloud technology to automate workflow from upstream to post-press.
IFS said it provides access to an easy-to-use dashboard that reports real-time production analysis for improved efficiency and profitability, remote update capabilities and scheduled maintenance resulting in less downtime.
The information is accessible via smartphone, tablet, or desktop PC and the software is designed for integration with MIS systems.
Current pricing for the device starts from £182,000.
“The StitchLiner is very fast and very efficient. It has proven to be an excellent piece of kit that will look after us for years to come,” Burrows added.
Established in 1890, 12-staff Holywell Press produces litho print on a Heidelberg Speedmaster CX 75 and digital print on a Xerox Versant 4100.
