Route 1 Print & Bluetree Group Invest in Two HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL106-8Ps

A £12 million investment to drive efficiency

The UK’s largest online trade printer, Route 1 Print, has significantly upgraded its production capabilities by installing two new HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL106-8P presses. This strategic move is part of a broader £12 million investment programme aimed at meeting growing market demand and enhancing operational efficiency at its 300,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

The new presses are equipped with advanced features, including Plate to Unit, LED UV curing, and fully automated Push to Stop technology. According to HEIDELBERG, these machines are already operating up to 40% faster than Route 1 Print's previous fleet. This leap in productivity is largely driven by highly efficient makeready times, sophisticated automation, and seamless integration with the HEIDELBERG Prinect workflow.

Automation taking center stage

In the highly competitive trade printing sector of 2026, automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Adam Carnell, Co-CEO of Route 1 Print, highlighted the practical benefits of the new technology: “Plate to Unit enables our operators to spend more time focusing on delivering excellent quality rather than manual handling tasks.” This shift not only improves product quality but also enhances workplace safety and makes machine operation more intuitive for the staff.

The decision to partner with HEIDELBERG again stems from a long-standing relationship and a proven track record. “We know that their technology is class-leading, and we know what it can deliver,” Carnell added. The Speedmaster XL106-8P, capable of printing up to 21,000 sheets per hour, was deemed a natural fit for the company's future production requirements.

Empowering reseller partners

Route 1 Print, founded in 2012 as part of the Bluetree Group, dispatches over 4,000 jobs daily. The primary goal of this massive investment is to better serve its network of reseller partners. Jack Parks, Head of Route 1 Print, emphasized that the new presses will strengthen their ability to deliver high-quality, dependable service with fast turnaround times. “Greater capacity and efficiency will also help us keep pricing competitive, enabling our partners to protect healthy margins while giving them confidence that Route 1 Print will remain a reliable, scalable partner for the future,” Parks stated.

Ryan Miles, Managing Director of HEIDELBERG UK, expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing partnership, noting that HEIDELBERG is proud to support Route 1 Print on its impressive growth journey.

Route 1 Print's commitment to continuous improvement and automation sets a strong benchmark for the trade printing industry. By investing heavily in state-of-the-art equipment, they are not just increasing capacity, but fundamentally optimizing their workflow to support their partners' growth. Will this level of automation become the baseline standard for all major trade printers by the end of the decade? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai