KENNESAW, Ga. -- October 5, 2007 -- Neff Packaging Solutions recently made a 6-color, 18,000 sph Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105 press the centerpiece of its new, 122,000-square-foot plant in Simpsonville, Ky. The peak performance XL 105 shares the floor with a new 8-color, 15,000 sph Speedmaster CD 102 with extended delivery and UV capability, which the company purchased to replace a half-size press.
Both machines are equipped with the Prinect Image Control color measuring system. Neff mans each press with only two operators. One flexible helper rounds up the pressroom staff per shift. In addition to reaching real production speeds up to 18,000 sph, the new XL 105 boasts a fully automatic nonstop logistics system, the first in the USA, which allows non-stop feeding and delivery of paperboard.
Neff clearly sees the advantages of automated press close material handling. "Nobody slows the press down just to avoid a trip-off at a manual pile change. I could not envision printing on board at 18,000 sph without this degree of automation." With 40" UV capability on the press, the company now has an opportunity to seek other markets, such as the higher-end cosmetics and personal care market, Neff says.
Elsewhere in the shop, the company's Prinect Printready prepress workflow is anchored by a Heidelberg 28x40" thermal Topsetter. Established in 1959 and with 110 employees, third-generation, family-owned Neff Packaging has been a Heidelberg customer and an all-Heidelberg shop "since day one," according to Neff, who adds, "Heidelberg is the mainstay of our business."