Birtwells has chosen a next generation Horizon BQ-300 iCE Binder to elevate its perfect binding capabilities. The Accrington specialist in NCR books and pads also produces a variety of business print produced on litho and digital technology.

Sue Preugschat, Company Secretary, explains: “We wanted to replace our existing perfect binding system to improve productivity. We have worked with IFS before so know and trust the Horizon solutions so we didn’t look at any alternatives.”
She continues: “We had a demonstration of the Horizon BQ-300 iCE Binder and were impressed. We particularly liked the quality of the finished product. We were also interested in the new and exciting iCE system that will enable us to track productivity.” 



The up to 500 cycles per hour BQ-300 can achieve 50% shorter job changeover times than previous models. It offers enhanced variable thickness automation and templates can be created with style or substrate preferences that can be chosen at any time depending on job requirements. Its 15” control panel and increased mechanical automation help improve productivity by shortening setup time and eliminating touchpoints. 

Birtwells’ system is enhanced with automated workflow from upstream to post press with iCE LiNK. iCE LiNK is Horizon’s cloud based post press management system that allows users to monitor production and machine status in real time, or automate their workflow by integrating finishing with their MIS and prepress.

She adds: “The new addition will help us increase the number of orders finished in house. We can also be more flexible with the jobs we say yes to as we can now deal with larger quantities than we were able to complete before. It will save us time, too, and be more cost efficient.  We expect it will deliver a return on investment of 10% of our overall profit.”

She concludes: “We deal with IFS in relation to many other systems we use in house and they are as always extremely helpful and proactive should an issue arise.”

Pictured: Sue Preugschat with the Horizon BQ-300 iCE Binder

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