Printech makes a difference

As Graham explains, Printech’s desire has always been to add value. ‘By doing this,’ Graham continues, ‘we create trust among our customers, showing that we can make a difference to their businesses and their lives. After 33 years in this industry, we’re experiencing this “first hand”.’

One example of these many success stories is clearly evident at Shumani Mills Communications, operating from a state-of-the-art factory in Parow Industria, Cape Town, and offering a ‘one-stop shop’ for print customers – whether they’re looking for educational book printing, commercial printing or digital printing.

In the last three years alone, three Heidelberg presses have been supplied to Shumani by Printech Engineering – in each case one new press replaces two older presses, Graham explains.

‘We’ve enjoyed a mutually-beneficial working relationship with Shumani over the years,’ he adds, ‘having sold the company more than 20 machines – from printing presses to saddle stitchers, folding machines and guillotines.’

Three years ago, Printech supplied a reconditioned 2006 model Heidelberg SM 102-8P to Shumani. This has recently undergone a rebuild.

Last year, Printech commissioned Africa’s first-ever Heidelberg XL 105-8P at Shumani – boasting all the features and automation available. It achieves running speeds of 15 000 sheets/hour in perfecting (4/4), offers innovative makeready solutions, produces short runs and includes Heidelberg’s Inpress feature, allowing print quality to be monitored constantly, and corrected if necessary, while the press is running at high speed.

Most recently, a further Heidelberg press, XL 105-5 LX series, capable of printing 18 000 sheets/hour, has joined the line-up, complementing the XL 105-8P installed last year.

As Graham remarks, this equipment places Shumani in a formidable position, not only in the Western Cape but throughout southern Africa.

Another interesting development and another feather in Shumani’s cap is the move to alcohol-free printing.

Working together, Printech and Shumani have converted the Heidelberg presses to alcohol-free printing, not only to stay ahead of legislation regarding VOC emissions, but also to gain key operating advantages – such as improved print quality, lower costs and a safer pressroom environment.

‘There’s no doubt that alcohol-free printing is the way of the future and Shumani is committed to “green” printing,’ says Graham. ‘And we’re proud to be part of the project.’

[Ed’s note: Watch for next month’s feature on the vital topic of alcohol-free printing.]