Trade printer Route 1 Print has expanded its book manufacturing capabilities following the installation of a Horizon MiniCabs binding line, which it decided to invest in at drupa 2024.

The company’s new machine has been in 24-hour production since August last year. It comprises of a BQ-500 iCE variable perfect binder complete with GF-500 gauze feeder; LBF-500 loose sheet book block feeder; ESF-1000 end sheet feeder; LBF-500 loose sheet book block feeder; and a HT-1000V trimmer.

‘One of the main draws for the machine was its ability to change quickly and automatically from job to job using the iCE link system,’ explained Mark Young, managing director of Route 1 Print. ‘We’re running a wide range of work through the machine and often at quantities of 25. To be efficient at these levels, automation is key.’

Over recent years Route 1 Print has seen growth in short run books across hardcover, softcover, perfect bound and threadsewn, said Jack Parks, head of Route 1 Print. ‘These products offer a great margin opportunity for our resellers and by pairing this machine with our recently installed Landa S11P we are able to offer a wide range of high-quality products on quick turnarounds,’ he added.

All the work for the line will be printed on Route 1’s two Landa presses before being trimmed to book blocks. Perfect bound work flows straight to the new machine while threadsewn work is routed to the company’s Muller Ventura MC200 thread sewing machine before endpapers are added and backlined.

Route 1 Print has also invested in a Baumann 132 automated cutting system which feeds work both to the Horizon MiniCabs binding line and its two Muller Prinova Digital saddle stitchers that were installed in May 2023.

Eric Keane, managing director of IFS, commented, ‘Route 1 Print approached us with a clear idea of the operational challenge they wanted to overcome. After exploring the options our portfolio of solutions had to offer, we created a tailored approach that has delivered highly responsive production capabilities. This is essential for ensuring profitability in today’s short run fast turnaround market.’