Falconer Invests in Heidelberg Press to Drive Growth
West Yorkshire-based carton manufacturer Falconer Print & Packaging has announced the successful commissioning of a new Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75-6+L press.
The strategic move is designed to future-proof the business and meet growing customer demand with innovative print solutions.
The press has been used for a complex whisky carton and to ensure seamless operation, Falconer implemented a comprehensive four-week training program for its four printing teams.
The press is planned to be fully operational by the end of this month.
With nearly four decades of carton manufacturing expertise, Falconer saw the need to expand its capacity to better serve its customers.
The new press introduces several advancements previously unavailable at Falconer.
It facilitates the use of vegetable-based inks and water-based coatings, aligning with eco-friendly initiatives.
Enhanced colour management and operational efficiencies translate to more options and added value for customers, including specialised coatings and environmentally conscious packaging solutions. Improved colour consistency ensures brand integrity, with detailed reporting available upon request.
The addition of the Heidelberg press represents a pivotal move to future-proof the business for the next decade, aligning with the company's growth aspirations.
This investment increases production capacity and introduces advanced finishing options, enabling Falconer to offer enhanced value to customers' cartons.
The decision to invest in the Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75-6+L followed an extensive evaluation process.
Falconer considered various manufacturers before finalising their choice, but Heidelberg emerged as the preferred partner, owing to the company's familiarity with their machines and the superior service support provided.
The capabilities of the Heidelberg press open avenues into new markets, particularly the food sector. The ability to produce direct food contact packaging using vegetable-based inks positions Falconer to meet the stringent requirements of the food industry, paving the way for significant growth opportunities.
Richard Martin, managing director, Falconer, said: "This investment in the Heidelberg press is a significant milestone for us. It's not just about increasing capacity; it's about delivering higher-quality, more sustainable packaging solutions that align with our customers' needs. With this press, we are well-positioned for growth and can offer more specialised finishes, improved colour management and increased efficiency. It ensures that we continue to provide premium packaging while working smarter and more sustainably."