Komori Press Replaces Heidelberg To Meet Volumes

Lexon Group has celebrated its 35th anniversary with the official opening of its new factory by the First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan.

Lexon Group has celebrated its 35th anniversary with the official opening of its new factory by the First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan.

Environmental considerations and technological developments within the industry were at the forefront of Lexon's decision making process when selecting a management information system (MIS), automatic plate making, new machinery and two Komori presses utilising the latest water based chemicals.

The purpose built 26,000 square foot building in Newport makes a total of three in the Lexon group, adding to premises in London and the Isle of Man and is part of a GBP1.5m investment over the last two years.

Lexon Group installed a four colour Komori Spica 429 Perfecting press in the summer to replace a Heidelberg DI, which was incapable of producing the necessary volumes required.

The Spica sits alongside a five colour Lithrone L528, which has been successfully producing four colour process, along with spot colour work since its installation 18 months ago.

A PDCS CIP4 spectrophotometer is claimed to ensure colour accurate reproduction.

Lexon Group production director, Benn Davis, said: "We have achieved growth at a rate of 24 per cent on last year and our goal is to grow by 20 per cent annually for the next three years.

The new Komoris have been instrumental in this and they mean we can produce more work much faster and of supreme quality.

The technology is more advanced than that of other manufacturers; we were especially impressed with the PDCS and CIP 4 spectrophotometer and this made Komori the obvious choice." He added: "All our equipment is JDF compatible and linked by our Tharstern MIS system.

Komori may not be the biggest manufacturer but the technological features on its presses are market leading." Davies explained: "The service is fantastic and any problems are dealt with really quickly.

The quality of service and low charges in comparison with other leading manufacturers made the decision a no brainer." Phil Holland, sales manager (south) for Komori UK, commented: "Komori is delighted to be involved with a traditional family business, such as Lexon Group.

I have seen the company grow considerably over the last couple of years.

It is always looking to invest in the latest modern technology to keep ahead in this competitive marketplace." Lexon Group offers a print service that includes lithographic, digital and screen print.

It specialises in point of sale projects with a dedicated cardboard engineering division utilised by customers such as Hoover and Arriva Trains Wales.

The company is also celebrating being awarded its ISO9001 quality standards certificate, backed up with the ISO14001 environmental award and ISO12647 colour measurement standard.

Lexon Group has future plans thatinclude digital screen printing, a commitment to further staff training and a third Komori press.

Managed jointly by brothers Benn and Garth, and chaired by father Malcolm Davis, the company employs 32 and has turned over GBP2.7 million this year.

As Rhodri Morgan cut the ribbon the minister expressed his appreciation for this archetypal successful family business and the determination and commitment demonstrated by the Davis family.

He emphasised the great example set by Lexon to encourage other family run companies and the positive effect the business has had on the economy, providing long term employment commitment in a previously depressed area.

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