Data collected and analysed by Route 1 Print has resulted in investment in an order for a Polar N 137 PLUS guillotine. This will be installed imminently and is one of the final steps towards a same day print service.
Last summer this trade printer decided to move away from a process-based layout with a separate cutting department to one which set up production streams based on the type of job being handled and with a clear split between digital and litho. Each stream needs a dedicated guillotine optimised for the type of work to be handled.
Also last year it expanded its booklet printing (now 25% of sales) with the purchase of Speedmaster XL 75-10-P and armed its response work with the conversion by IST of its Speedmaster XL 102 long perfector to LE-UV providing dry sheets ready for immediate conversion.
Both areas continue to grow so supplementing its cutting capacity became a necessity.
“The reason we have gone with Polar again is mainly down to the robust build of the machine and the reliability that it offers,” says Jack Wilmott, brand manager at Route 1 Print. “Our presses are running 24/7, geared for 24 hour dispatch, and we are hoping to launch a same day service soon. That means machine reliability is critical and we have that and Heidelberg service which is exemplary. We’re committed to maintaining our hard-earned reputation.”
“We also find the programming interface very straightforward and functional, allowing our operators to build their own set of programmes and make appropriate adjustments for the job in hand. We were also really impressed with how fast the blade can be changed on the Polar 137 which minimises downtime.”
Route 1 Print uses bespoke logistics to ensure work transits between presses and finishing and through to despatch in a timely and efficient manner. In addition to the physical workflow it uses digital workflows to send CIP3 data via Prinect to the guillotines for pre-setting and batching like for like work.
The new guillotine will run around the clock to keep pace with the work and it will go straight into production after installation and training. The operators encouraged the purchase of another Polar and are looking forward to having the added capacity.
Route 1 Print employs 263 people throughout the business and is on target to hit a £30m turnover target this year.
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