McLays moves into fully-automated folding with Stahlfolder install

The Cardiff-based business opted for the machine following a demonstration of the folder at Heidelberg's National Showroom.

Although the company operates existing MBO and Heidelberg folders, the addition of the new TH 56 model adds a greater level of flexibility to the welsh printer.

Richard Kyte, manufacturing manager at McLays, said the company hadn't envisaged needing a folder prior to the visit.

He said: "The speed of makeready, its ability to handle a broad range of folds that would enable us to switch very fast from job to job as priorities changed made the TH 56 too tempting.

"Coupled with the fact that we are extremely busy, the timing was perfect."

McLays, which offers a broad range of services such as offset and digital printing, personalised document mailing and fulfilment, is running the new machine 24 hours a day.

Producing a range of jobs from 4pp leaflets to multi-page concertina collateral, the company's TH 56 can output in half the time its existing Ti 52 folder can.

We are predominantly a Heidelberg house and like the whole package the company can offer. We have an extremely good working relationship with them," added Kyte.

In 2010, McLays boosted its digital firepower after investing in a Xeikon 6000 colour press.