Barnwell Print increases folding efficiency by 30% with MBO buy

Commercial printer Barnwell Print has seen a 30% boost in section work throughput after investing in a new MBO folding machine.

UK and Ireland MBO agent Friedheim International supplied the MBO K660/6 S-KTL Combi folding machine with SBAP 46 ME mobile stream delivery device, which was installed at the Aylsham, Norfolk-based printer’s 1,394sqm premises in the summer.

Joint managing director Lincoln Barnwell said: “We pride ourselves on our efficiency, and realised that in order to achieve this we needed to replace our ageing MBO K65 combination folder.”

The firm also operates other MBO folders, which Barnwell said have been "hard-working and reliable", so found the MBO K660 investment to be an easy decision. The MBO K65 has been kept on by the company as a back-up.

Barnwell said: “We have been very impressed with the new MBO K660 since its arrival, not only in terms of increasing our folding capabilities but also in the quality and crispness of fold that we are achieving.

“What we are particularly happy with is the increase of 30% in throughput on our section work. In fact, I believe that depending on certain job parameters the new MBO can go even quicker, so we are still to take advantage of its full potential.”

The business also operates a four-colour Komori Lithrone S529 with coater, which it bought last year, as well as Heidelberg and Manroland litho machinery, Ricoh digital kit and a range of finishing equipment.

The firm is currently in the process of producing a 2.5m-run full-colour and coated A5 mail order catalogue for a mail order retailer on its Komori press, which it is operating at a speed of 15,500sph.

The 19-staff business has been run by the same family since 1840 and is now overseen by fourth-generation Lincoln Barnwell and his brother Julian. The firm produces items including magazines, leaflets and booklets and also offers carton work and bookbinding.