The Telford-based firm is adding a second Komori System 38 web to its pressroom, having acquired a secondhand model in “excellent condition” from a printer on the continent as part of a multi-million pound upgrade of its facilities.
“We need it to grow, and it potentially gives us another 45% capacity growth from where we are at the moment,” said managing director Alex Evans.
“That’s not going to happen from day one, it will be staggered over a number of years,” he explained. “A lot depends on what happens in the marketplace.”
The Komori is configured with eight units and can produce 32pp duplex sections or two 16pp sections.
PCP already runs a 16pp System 38, as well as a 32pp Manroland Rotoman. An older Goss Universal semi-commercial web at its factory will be taken out of production early in 2014. The firm also has sheetfed and digital printing facilities.
“The new Komori is nice and flexible, similar to our Rotoman,” Evans added.
It is being installed in the press hall that used to house PCP’s Wifag newspaper line, and is set to begin live production at the end of September.
The bindery upgrade includes a new Muller Martini Primera E140 stitching line, with further additional finishing kit on the cards for the future.
“We will continue to put automation into the plant to remain lean and keep our unit cost competitive,” Evans said.
The firm runs 24/7, has turnover of £37m and employs 208 staff. It produces a wide cross-section of web offset products including B2B magazines, catalogues, and direct mail. Evans said 67% of its current capacity was contractual fill.
PCP is part of the Claverley Group, which owns a raft of regional newspapers and online media brands.