KENNESAW, Ga. – December 13, 2007 - Board packaging specialist Shorewood Packaging, Indianapolis, Ind., recently installed an ultra-high-performance Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105 with Image Control, Instant Gate and DryStar Advanced. The new press, which is the Indianapolis plant's first Heidelberg, replaces an older packaging press whose running speed topped out at 9,000 sph and required three hours to makeready.
Shorewood recently completed training on the XL 105, and is steadily adjusting to the pace set by the new press. The company already has run a number of live jobs at speeds to 17,000 sph on the XL 105, and is ramping up to the XL's full speed of 18,000 sph.
Says Ken Reddick, vice president of Litho Technology, "I've been in the printing and packaging business for 40 years, and I've stayed closer to this press on startup than any other. Because we are still in learning mode, we haven't yet experienced the full benefit of the new press, but we're excited by what we've seen so far." For example, "Our makereadies are down to one hour, and there's no discernable vibration, even at 18,000 sph."
In fact, Reddick notes, "the faster the press goes, the more relaxed we can be. The press does all the work. It's been a great experience." Established 35 years ago and currently with 340 employees, Shorewood's Indianapolis operation specializes in cosmetics, sports and pharmaceutical packaging. While the new XL 105 is a first for the Indianapolis plant, Shorewood Packaging boasts no fewer than 23 Heidelberg presses across the corporate enterprise, including another new XL 105 at its Hendersonville, N.C. facility. Both of the new XL 105 presses are prepped for UV technology.