Sussex based printer Gemini Group is launching a digital service as part of a £3 million investment programme.
The company is already a large printer in the south of England, employing some 200 people in its Brighton, Shoreham and Bristol sites.
The new investment will include two new Kodak NexPress sheet fed toner presses, as well as a pair of Heidelberg Speedmaster XL offset presses. One of the NexPresses is a five unit SX3300 configured for Dimensional raised print effects. It can also take long sheets up to 660 mm.
Steve Cropper, managing director of Gemini Group (pictured above), said: ‘Gemini Digital is the logical next step for the group. We have been at the forefront of traditional printing since 1973 and this move ensures that we continue to offer our clients access to the latest three dimensional technology as well as an outstanding service.’
Lynn Brazier, director of Gemini Digital, said: ‘Our NexPress SX3300 offers full colour digital printing of exceptional quality and is capable of cutting-edge three-dimensional printing, a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital model. This ability enables Gemini Digital to achieve a wide range of finishes including spot UV effects to multipage documents such as training manuals.’
The major investment coincides with John Boyle OBE, a former Scottish Entrepreneur of the Year, increasing his stake in the company to a 100% shareholding. Mr Cropper said: ‘John saw the need for investment and he was the driving factor in facilitating the funding and turning Gemini into a force again. He has taken a more proactive role and with all the experience he’s had outside of print it’s quite refreshing to have someone that successful come in and be excited about the industry. Mr Boyle has worked with Gemini for 25 years as part of a business portfolio that stretches the length of the country.’
Mr Boyle said: ‘I’m delighted to be increasing my involvement in the Gemini Group as I believe it has a great future. In a highly competitive industry facing challenges from many directions, Gemini has bucked the trend and achieved solid growth, which will be further boosted by the arrival of the new presses.’
Contact: www.gemini-digitalprint.co.uk
