Clays installs first Heidelberg press from Exel Printing Machinery

Clays of Bungay UK, specialists in producing monochrome paperbacks and hardback books, have taken delivery of their first Heidelberg XL-106-5-LX supplied by Exel Printing Machinery.

Predominantly an all Komori house, this machine is not only their first Heidelberg, but also the first used press to be purchased by the UK’s market leading book producer.

After a major mechanical fault on their Komori L640-6+C which rendered the machine uneconomical for repair by their insurance company, Clays contacted Komori, Heidelberg and Exel Printing Machinery to find a replacement.

Ian Bendy, Sales Director of Exel Printing Machinery said: “Clays were looking for a specific machine to replace the Komori. They wanted a fairly young machine with a low impression count that was fitted with full UV drying and were happy to consider any manufacturer.”

Several machines were offered to Clays by all parties, but the 2014 Heidelberg offered by Exel Printing Machinery and located in Switzerland, was the best fit.

In just a few days the machine purchase was agreed and Exel swung into action by organising the machine to be loaded and shipped to the UK.

When the machine had arrived in the UK, as part of Exel’s full turnkey solution offered to customers, the machine was transported to Clays, where Exel’s own engineers commenced the installation, commissioning and training.

The machine has now been commissioned to produce covers, jackets and illustrations, and the Clays’ staff are in the process of being trained by Exel’s demonstrators.

Ian Smith, Operations Director at Clays, said: “Having a machine installed can be a stressful time, but we have been very happy with the way that Exel have dealt with the whole process. Buying a used machine and being a Heidelberg is new to us, but the whole process has gone very smoothly. We still have the Exel demonstrators here on site while we become accustomed to the machine but the machine has been in partial production for 2 weeks and we are very happy with the choice we made.”

Exel Printing Machinery has over 30 years' experience in supplying top quality printing equipment and can supply anything from a single colour GTO to a twelve colour Speedmaster with Cutstar. By purchasing a variety of stock presses, finishing equipment and full factory inventories, this enables Exel to offer swift and reliable solutions to their customers. 
As in the case with Clays, if Exel do not hold a suitable machine in stock they will work effectively to source the most suitable options to meet their customer’s requirements using their global dealer network and bespoke machinery database. 

If you want to learn more About Exel Printing Machinery, Contact Us today.