Saxoprint has recently been printing some litho work in the UK (German site shown), with the intention to move to UK production of a range of print-and-cut products
German-owned online trade printer Saxoprint has begun printing in the UK, with the aim of eventually printing all work for UK customers here.
Explaining that the move comes as a result of UK trade competition getting ‘cheaper and faster’ to meet uniquely British demands for fast turnaround, senior key account manager Phil Foster told Digital Printer: ‘The UK is our second-largest European market so it’s a natural progression to invest in the UK if we want to compete here.’
The company has been printing some litho work for UK customers in the UK over the last six weeks or so in what Mr Foster describes as a ‘small-scale test’, with workflow still routed via the 22,000sqm Dresden factory, but with the intention to move to UK production of a range of print-and-cut products that will most likely include digital print, though the company is keeping the details of location, investment and products to itself at the moment.
‘The idea is to increase the range but we need to make sure the plant proves itself,’ said Mr Foster. He also mentioned the success of the Easy Box online custom carton-making service which has since last September offered the option of ordering one-off 350gsm boxes printed outside only in a variety of designs and sizes.
Saxoprint’s UK presence includes 40 staff in a London-based service centre, covering all markets outside the German-speaking zone. This was set up four years ago and has experienced ‘fantastic’ growth since, but establishing the print production site in addition will overcome any perception issues, Mr Foster said. He added that Brexit is ‘not a major factor’, but ‘a foothold in the UK with production would counter-balance any issues.’
All being well, a more formal announcement of Saxoprint’s UK production capability is expected towards the end of 2018.
