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Stephen Barrow, leaflet manager at Medica Packaging, was impressed that this folder’s ability to halve production times did not affect its high quality

What does the machine do?
It cross folds lightweight leaflets down to 26mm, 2-up and at high speed.

Why did you choose this particular machine?
We needed a change in operation. Rather than just replacing a folder with another similar machine, we wanted to add real value to our production. A multi-up folder, designed for complex miniature high-speed work, was our requirement. GUK had the ideal product to satisfy our needs.

Did you look at any other similar machines?
We ran trials in Germany with Herzog & Heymann on a KL112, as we traditionally use these folders, but GUK were able to demonstrate higher performance.

Why did you make the purchase?
To service a significant growth in new business.

What features do you particularly like?
The round pile continuous feeder is a huge improvement to what we were used to. There is more control for the operator to manage the feeder, which prevents jams and ensures the machine doesn’t stop. The twin stream is reliable and, with the rollers locked in place, the folder actually provides an improved quality product in the finish of the leaflet. Just as important is the fact the operators like the ease of operation.  
 
Is there anything you dislike?
Due to the tight quality control required in pharmaceutical leaflet production, we went with the automatic ejection unit. We have since found this to be unnecessary as the feeder does not cause the delays and problems we were used to with the existing, competitive folder machine.

Is there anything you wish it had that it doesn’t?
No, we spent considerable time testing and specifying the machine to our requirements.

How fast is it?
It depends on the size and complexity of the cross-folded leaflet. It produces up to 32,000 leaflets per hour.

How reliable is it?
Considering the productivity we are getting from the machine, the few issues regarding the consumable spare items are not a real concern.

What’s the quality like?
It produces an excellent fold.  

How easy is it to use?
Once the operator has been trained, the GUK is user-friendly and straightforward to operate.

How much time or money has it saved?
It has, in some cases, more than halved production times.

Has it won you any new work?
It enabled us to service all of our new business to the high standards our customers expect from Medica. Extra capacity has also enabled us to take on additional work.

Would you say it offers value for money?
Yes. In our experience, few machines can offer such a marked improvement over an existing operation.

Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
No, the folder was actually signed off in only three days.

What about the pre- and after-sale service?
M-Partners provide excellent technical support.

Who do you think the machine is right for?
Pharmaceutical and miniature leaflet producers.

Under what circumstances would you buy another?
When we require another leap in folder capacity.

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CONCLUSION
User’s verdict    
Speed 5/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 5/5

Supplier’s Response     
Murray Lock, joint managing director of M-Partners, distributor of GUK products in the UK, says: “It is satisfying to know that, even with Medica’s tough increased productivity targets, the GUK has exceeded their expectations. It has also been good to see Medica Packaging, as part of the Benson Box Group of companies, challenging the way it operates to get the most from its equipment investment. M-Partners looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial working relationship with Medica and with the Benson Box Group.”

Price £156,000
Contact M Partners 0208 773 8123