Kennesaw, Ga – Blanks Printing & Imaging, Inc. (Dallas, TX) recently installed a Speedmaster CD 102-5+L with X-Package and Prinect Image Control Next Generation from Heidelberg. The new press replaced two older Heidelberg presses, and runs alongside an existing Speedmaster XL 105. 

Celebrating 75 Years with Peak Performance

Aside from celebrating 75 years in business with the new press, Blanks is also reaping the significant business benefits of the peak performance machine through increased productivity, doubled UV capacity, enhanced print quality and improved scheduling flexibility — all of which have made Blanks a more attractive option for customers with fast-turn jobs. 

“The machine has been in operation just over 4 months, and we are consistently seeing more increases as the operators get more comfortable with the technology,” said Jan Thornton, Operations Manager. “On average, the press is beating our production standards by 30%.” 

The newly enhanced Speedmaster CD 102 with X-Package is the best-selling press in the 70×100 format with more CD 102 units installed than any other model worldwide. With an annual capacity of around 40 million sheets, the Speedmaster CD 102-X increases productivity from between 25% to 50% over older generation CD 102s and new competitive presses.

According to Pressroom Manager Mike Winn, makereadies have also improved significantly with Prinect Image Control Next Generation, the industry leading color management system. “Prinect Image Control keeps a very tight window on our color throughout the run. Our makeready sheets have been cut in half [with the new technology.]”

The Right Technology for the Right Business

Blanks Printing & Imaging installed its first Speedmaster XL 105-6+L with UV in 2007 with the intention of installing a second XL 105 shortly after. However, as time went on, the evolution of digital technology made that goal seem further out of reach. After looking for a digital press that could effectively offload capacity from two older existing 40” presses, it was decided that another offset press may indeed be the best investment for the commercial print business.  

“By conducting a detailed 6 month study, we were surprised how little of our production could be transitioned to the high speed digital press that our competitors were utilizing,” said Doug Heyerdahl, Chief Financial Officer. “We started exploring what would happen if we replaced our two older presses for a newer machine. Ultimately, we landed on the CD 102-X because of its ability to handle our customers’ demands.” 

Cost Justification is Key

According to Heyerdahl, the Dallas based company is now experiencing substantial cost savings through faster makereadies, reduced labor and efficient training as well as eliminating the burden of high maintenance costs from the two older presses. 

“We wanted to be able to justify our investment purely on cost savings,” said Heyerdahl. “After being in production for 4 months, we are confident that these goals will be met with this machine.”

A Dedicated Team

According to President Leron Blanks, the company has remained successful over its 75 years in business through its ability to evolve in a competitive industry, its high level of customer service and dedicated team of knowledgeable and passionate employees. He also attributes much success to their partnerships, and willingness to invest in the latest equipment.

“Heidelberg has been a great partner for us for many years, and [that partnership has] helped us stay consistent with our products,” said Blanks. “Our customers know that when they walk in the door, we will provide the highest quality work based on the equipment that we have invested in. The decision to purchase the XL 105 in 2007 was tremendous for our business, and this is another decision that we’ve made together as a team to take our business even further.” 

Since 1941, Blanks has been focused on helping its clients be more successful. As a third generation family owned business, Blanks has evolved over the years to keep pace with an ever-changing market. The company’s rich history in commercial printing and prepress, as well as its origins as a printing plate engraver, add tremendous value to every job produced. An FSC Certified, G7 Master Commercial Printer, Blanks’ award-winning work has appeared in the industry’s top publications such as Print and Communication Arts, and has been recognized in the industry’s most prestigious competitions, including shows produced by AIGA, Dallas Society of Visual Communications, PIA and numerous others.

To see video highlights of Blanks Printing, visit http://bit.ly/BlanksPrinting.