Kingsbury modernises folding with MBO buy

Kingsbury Press has installed a B1-size MBO T960 high-speed folder to refresh and enhance its folding services.

Taken in February, the machine represents a £150,000 investment for the Doncaster-based commercial operation. It replaces an ageing Stahlfolder to fulfil similar applications more efficiently.

It was supplied by Friedheim International – the first time Kingsbury had completed a deal with the Hemel Hempstead-based finishing kit vendor.

Kingsbury sales director Rob Layton said: “We needed to replace our Stahlfolder as it was very old and we needed a machine that could work faster. We found the MBO offered a good price and it suited us in terms of the quality of its output and its build.

“We were not looking to particularly change what we were doing, but we needed a more modern machine. We will benefit internally as we can now get stuff on the floor faster.

“It has been a very positive experience working with Friedheim, no trouble at all, and we will go back to them for more products if and when that fits.”

The MBO T960 operates at speeds from 10-230m/min and will accommodate a specific 880mm-wide job for a client at Kingsbury that could not be fulfilled on any other machine.

With a portfolio that includes two Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75 presses, three Polar guillotines and a Horizon Stitchliner, Layton said Kingsbury is now looking to add a B1 press to its shop floor, with manufacturers such as Heidelberg and Komori currently in consideration.

Kingsbury Press employs 40 members of staff and turns over £6m.