Polestar is to automate all work-in-progress and finished material movement within its Sheffield plant, following an investment in ten Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), each equipped with laser guiding technology.

Andy Reynoldson, Polestar Managing Director Gravure, says: "This project is an innovative installation within the print sector. Only a small number of printers worldwide use this technology and it is generally limited to despatch or paper reel handling only. At Sheffield, we intend to transport automatically multiple printed products from press to bindery then onto polywrapping and despatch."

This latest investment supports Polestar's commitment to leading edge technology as Andy Reynoldson explains: "Automatic transport on this scale has been limited to date within the industry and this project reflects Polestar's forward thinking approach to maximise value for its customers. AGVs provide robotic, unmanned product movement and tracking, as products proceed through production. All our work-in-progress will be transported to and from each process on demand, including movement of consumables and inserts, without the need of manpower."

"Sheffield is perfectly suited to AGVs. We have high speed press and finishing technology which is now complemented with automated supply to each process. These vehicles are bespoke and are able to transport standard palletised and Ferag multi disc products."