UK-based print business invests in a Luxel T-6500 platesetter and Superia processless plates as part of PLATESENSE agreement

Healeys Printers, based in Ipswich, UK provides high quality printed communications to businesses and individuals. Specialising in the fine art, education and property industries, Healeys uses a range of lithographic, digital and large format print solutions.

In November 2020, Healeys invested in Fujifilm’s PLATESENSE programme, which included the leasing of a high quality Luxel T-6500 platesetter and the use of Fujifilm’s Superia processless plates. Ten months on they are delighted with the results.

Sustainability is a critical element of Healey’s business goals. By becoming one of the first Carbon Balanced Publication Printers in the UK in 2013, they committed to balancing all production and transport as well as using carbon balanced paper – all from sustainable sources. The company also works with the World Land Trust who purchase and manage endangered forest and areas of important biodiversity throughout the world.

“As sustainability is a crucial element of our business, we were on the lookout for a processless plate that offered a viable alternative to the plates we were using at the time. After a careful review of the market, we found that Fujifilm had the best offering.” Philip Dodd, Managing Director, Healeys Printers explains. “Having previously purchased an Acuity LED 1600 printer back in 2017, we had some prior experience working with Fujifilm. Their philosophy and values neatly align with our own.

“We conducted some trials with Fujifilm, and we were thoroughly impressed with the reliability, productivity and sustainability credentials of the plates. The print output was delivered fast and at superb quality.” Mr. Dodd continues. “This, combined with the existing issues we were facing with our existing CTP device, made investing in Fujifilm’s Superia processless plates an easy decision.”

Healeys also opted to become a part of Fujifilm’s PLATESENSE programme which provides packaged pre-press solutions tailored to individual business needs. As well as the delivery of plates and their collection after use for recycling, the agreement covers the lease of equipment and associated consumables. Mr. Dodd explains “Being able to finance the system through our on-going plate purchases has been ideal for our business and has proven to be great value for money. It has made our plate production not only cheaper, but even more efficient.

“The lease of a Luxel T-6500 platesetter was also part of the PLATESENSE agreement,” continues Mr. Dodd. “Aside from the durability and dependability it offers, the machine’s low operator intervention increases overall productivity while reducing its carbon footprint. Our deal also included the supply of a second (back-up) CTP system. This provides both us and our customers with reassurance that schedules will not be affected by breakdowns, as well as offering increased throughput capacity during peak periods.”

Mr Dodd explains how the investments are helping Healeys to stay ahead of market trends. “We are always watching market developments and continuing to evaluate our printing processes and equipment. Most of our clients expect fast turnarounds and high quality at competitive rates. Our ability to reliably deliver this is how we retain our clients. These investments were the obvious next step for us to facilitate this and we are confident that our partnership with Fujifilm will enable us to exceed this standard and grow our client-base.

“The level of service and support we received throughout the sales and installation process and beyond was superb.“ Mr Dodd concludes. “We have always felt that Fujifilm’s knowledgable support team, with their superb technical expertise, provides the basis for a very solid partnership.”

Andy Kent, Division Manager, Fujifilm Graphic Systems UK says “Having worked with Healeys for a number of years now, it’s been fantastic to be able to help their business develop and grow with solutions that directly align with their business goals. We’ve been delighted to see how their most recent investments have strengthened their business even further over the past year.”