Speedmaster SM 52 – User Report: Potts Printers

Potts Printers has returned to Heidelberg for two new B3 presses, Speedmaster SM 52-2s. The decision to buy two to replace one SM 52 follows on from Potts being appointed single source supplier to its local NHS Trust in Newcastle.

"The seven and a half year old SM 52 they replace had done 110 million impressions and had been no bother at all," says Shaun Johnson, managing director. "I still believe these are the best machines on the market. Everyone in the pressroom is brought up on SM 52 technology and today about 80% of operators will run these presses some of the time."

The pressroom has B1, B2 and B3 technology including Speedmaster CD 74 and SM 74 machines. Mr Johnson believes that being able to handle the simple stationery, business forms and NCR work not only mops up work supplied on the back of larger and more prestigious orders but creates opportunities for other work and is often the area in which loyalty is won or lost.

NHS staff and commercial customers have visited and seen the two new SM 52s, one a straight press and the other a perfector, and have been impressed.

"Today press technology is almost too fast for operators mentally and at Potts we have our own process checks so that quality control is exactly right. We move to full out production only when we are certain the job is correct, preventing errors and unnecessary waste and cost," says Mr Johnson.

The Speedmaster SM 52 with its new Press Center and Intellistart helps operators run to maximum efficiency without overlooking any production steps.
 
Both presses have been installed and are running 6am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and at nights when necessary. Potts Printers is a 24 hour, seven day a week business offering packaging creation, prepress, press, finishing and logistics facilities under one roof. It puts great emphasis on strong working partnerships with its customers and its flexibility with a 60gsm to 1,000 micron printing capability.