'This model is world class and is going to be an absolute gamechanger' : Northern Ireland packaging firm unveils major investment with arrival of state-of-the-art printing press
Co Down-based Print Library has invested £1.5m in a Heidelberg Speedmaster CX104, which promises to boost production capacity and build efficiency
Northern Ireland packaging firm Print Library has welcomed the arrival of industry-leading machinery at its Co Down factory.
Thanks to an investment of £1.5 million, the team have revamped their set-up with the introduction of a Heidelberg Speedmaster CX104, a press and plate machine that will enable the business to double production capacity.
Michael Thompson, who co-founded the firm with business partner Geoff Truesdale in 2001, said: “This model is world class and is going to be an absolute gamechanger for our output. Integrating it into our set-up means a significant scale-up in capacity, output boost and even more efficiencies in our operation.
“The business is growing with more demand than ever from the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, and introducing this world-class tech is exactly what we need to take Print Library to the next level in our 25th year.”
Packing a punch to reach more customers, the team has enlisted the help of Belfast-based CGI studio Squint Creative to convey the bold, adventurous nature of the Print Library brand with a new Fake Out Of Home (FOOH) video hitting social media this week.
The film sees a supersized Heidelberg printer make a thunderous arrival on screen, landing at some of the most iconic spots around Belfast – before getting to work.
First up, the mammoth printer crash lands at the top of Cave Hill before shooting out perfectly-printed packaging from drinks brand Dunville’s. A fully-formed – and colossal – box from the Belfast whiskey brand makes its way to the city centre, landing with a thud on the roof of White’s Tavern.
Geoff Truesdale said: “This video is the perfect way to shout about the big investments and bold steps we’re making at Print Library.”
As well as its depiction of Dunville’s boxes, the clip sees the Heidelberg printer sailing down the Lagan as it delivers picture-perfect packs of Ewing’s The Belfast Fishmonger’s salmon into the water. The final scene takes place further down the river as three huge cracker-shaped boxes from beauty brand B Bold fly from a rooftop Heidelberg press, through the ring of the iconic Nuala with the Hula, and land with a rumble by Queen Elizabeth Bridge.
Anthony Heaney, co-founder of Squint Creative, said: “This was a really fun project to work on, and we love how it turned out. Geoff and the team were keen to reflect the bold steps they’re taking on the business side with Print Library, and gave us the freedom to go bold on the creative side too.
“Working up an FOOH at big spots around Belfast, creating something a wee bit out there, is always a class thing to do. We really hope people like it.”
Geoff added: “This is a big year for Print Library, and with the Heidelberg printer now in action at our new site in Newtownards, it’s a perfect time to make a bit of noise about what we do.”
The latest investments followed a £500,000 spend in 2025 on an advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD) prototyping machine and advanced inspection cameras for the factory’s glue line.
Michael Thompson added: “As the business grows across Ireland and the UK, as well as here in Northern Ireland, we’re ready to embrace this new phase for Print Library with new technology and exciting opportunities for both our team, and our clients.”