Alpha Colour Printers expands with Speedmaster spend

Alpha Colour Printers has continued its pressroom expansion after investing in a Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75-4+L at Drupa.

The Gloucester-based business is using the carbon neutral press to replace an outgoing CD 74 five-colour and coater machine.

The new Speedmaster is expected to boost productivity by 20% while also cutting energy usage during press production at the litho and digital print business.

Alpha's new machine complements a raft of up-to-date equipment that includes a perfector Speedmaster XL 75 in 2010 and more recently, a Ricoh C901 Graphic Arts Edition digital press last July.

According to Alpha Colour Printers managing director Jeff Williams, the new machine will enable the Quedgeley-based business to become a more efficient operation.

He said: "One less press unit coupled with the new DryStar 3000 dryer means there is a 20% reduction in energy usage and the XL 75 technology. The energy meter will allow us to prove to ourselves and our customers the greater energy efficiency of this press.  

"With Axis Control spectral measurementn we will enhance makeready times and reduce both start up and running waste and the wash up system is very efficient, using only the amount of chemistry needed."