HERBERT WALKERS INVESTS IN A SECOND SPEEDMASTER XL 106 AS PART OF £10M EXPANSION PROGRAMME
18 MAY 2026
Herbert Walkers, the privately owned print and packaging specialist based in Shipley, has acquired a second new Speedmaster XL106 6+L, reinforcing a wider £10 million capital investment programme over the past five years.
The new press, due for delivery in June 2026, follows the installation of an identical machine in November 2024. Together, the two presses significantly increase production capacity, improve efficiency, and strengthen the company’s long-term manufacturing capability at its West Yorkshire site. The latest addition will bring the company’s total number of Speedmaster XL 106 presses to three, with the two new models sitting alongside an older machine.
As part of this latest expansion, Herbert Walkers has also created six new skilled roles, supporting continued employment growth at its Shipley operation, where the business now employs over 110 people.
Mike Lammas, Managing Director of Herbert Walkers says, “This latest investment is another important step in our long-term strategy to futureproof the business. By installing a second Speedmaster XL106 6+L, we are increasing our capacity, improving efficiency, and ensuring we continue to deliver the highest quality for our customers. Having invested over £10 million into our factory in the last five years, we are demonstrating a clear commitment to innovation, growth, and to supporting UK manufacturing from our base in West Yorkshire. This investment also reflects our confidence in the regional economy and the strength of skilled manufacturing in Shipley and the wider area.”
“Herbert Walkers’ enduring partnership with HEIDELBERG reflects a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and long-term success. Their continued investment in advanced solutions — from the Prinect Production Manager workflow and Saphira consumables —demonstrates a clear focus on efficiency and excellence. The addition of a second press is a strong statement of confidence in both the technology and the future, and we are proud to support them as they continue to raise the bar in high-end greeting card and packaging production,” says Phil Buttress, Head of Sales for HEIDELBERG UK & Ireland.
Herbert Walkers is a family-owned and operated business based in West Yorkshire, with an 80-year history in the industry. They deliver print and packaging projects for leading high-street retailers and international brands as well as greeting cards for some of the UK’s largest publishers. Committed to operating responsibly and sustainably, Herbert Walkers is focused on achieving a measurable carbon reduction and has made significant progress in this through use of energy monitoring applications, using 100% renewable energy, having a stringent waste management process as well as the aforementioned investment in new, more efficient equipment. The addition of the second press further
strengthens its ability to serve a growing national client base while reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing in the UK.
May 2026
For more information please contact:
Eirini Spanou, HEIDELBERG UK, on 02084-903796
Or
Phil Buttress, HEIDELBERG UK, on 07831 856 646
Or
Martin Rimmer, HEIDELBERG UK, on 07767 357000
Or
Mike Lammas, Herbert Walkers, on 01274 531828