H&H Reeds Printers’ Directors Visit World Centre for Printer Press Manufacturing in Germany
As a result of the long-standing relationship between two companies in the print industry, H&H Reeds Printers and Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG, directors of H&H Reeds Printers recently paid a visit to the German company and their Headquarters Factory in Heidelberg, in south-west Germany.
Learning that H&H Reeds Printers were celebrating their 140th birthday prompted the manufacturer and long-time supplier to the company to support the marking of this milestone. They immediately, invited the Managing Director of H&H Reeds Printers, Andy Jackson and Production Director of H&H Reeds Printers, Phil Gowling to Heidelberg to see their factory in action. They also made an immediate donation to Macmillan Cancer Support, whom H&H Reeds have been raising money for throughout their 140th year.
“This came about as a result of our loyalty and allegiance to Heidelberg Printing Presses, going back as long as we can remember”, says Andy.
At their Headquarters, in the magnificent town of Heidelberg in south-west Germany, the company showcases their history, what they are doing now, and the developments they are working on for the future. The Cumbrian team were treated to a full tour of the factory, along with a demonstration tailored to their needs and working practices back home in Penrith, with a particular focus on future innovation. Every Heidelberg printing press made is specifically built to order and to the needs of the customer.
Andy was suitably impressed with the scale of the works: “For us both, this really was a great opportunity to go behind the scenes of a truly cutting-edge printing factory. We were able to see every part of the production lines and processing facility, which is so huge that I couldn’t see the other end of the factory with my own eyes.”
The Heidelberg company has an international reputation and is renowned for its pioneering technology and precision, which is why H&H Reeds has used them to supply their printing presses for so many years.
Photographs of Heidelberg presses in action at the H&H Reeds Penrith Printworks go back well over 50 years. “These machines have always been the Rolls Royce’s of the Print Industry, renowned for their quality and customer service. Customer service and support from our suppliers is paramount”, adds Andy.
He continues: “As a customer of Heidelberg, not only do we use their machines, but we also require their ongoing support, which is available 24 hours a day. This gives total reassurance for both us and our customers as I know that if I phone Heidelberg this afternoon, I will have the part here, from the factory, at 8.00AM the next morning.
The visit, which included a one-night stay in Heidelberg itself and a full day at the factory, was truly memorable. Andy explains: “The first thing we did as the sun was setting was to be taken to Heidelberg Castle. This was just amazing.”
“We are enormously grateful to our hosts, and long term partners, for their attention and hospitality. As a commemorative gift for our visit and the occasion, they gave us each a Heidelberg watch”, concludes Andy.
Heidelberg Druckmaschinen [Printing Presses] AG is 150 years old, similar to H&H Reeds Printers who have just celebrated their 140th anniversary. Like the UK firm, it is locally-based, though now it has an international reach and a large specialist engineering reputation.
For more information and further details, please contact H&H Reeds Printers on 01768 864214 or visit their website at: www.hhreedsprinters.co.uk.
