In a move to diversify into short run customised books King’s Lynn-based Minuteman Press has received the UK’s first Fastbind Pureva Neo binder and a Casematic A46Z semi-automatic casemaker, both installed by Ashgate.
‘We’ve seen a rapid expansion since we introduced e-commerce and this was one of the reasons for our move two years ago to a 10,000sqft energy-efficient flagship store,’ said sales manager Dan Roberts. ‘Online occasion cards, which we impose, print (on two Xerox Iridesse digital printers) bar code and pack ready for delivery all over the UK make up a large percentage of our operation. The rest comes from serving local businesses in and around Norfolk with their printing and finishing requirements. Being able to manufacture a huge product range in house has allowed us to develop a reputation locally for same day delivery.
‘We have now turned our attention to short run customised books which lend themselves to online ordering and will expand our e-commerce offering. In fact we are fulfilling a demand because customers are already asking for them.’
The Pureva Neo binder, which replaces the Pureva XT, is intended to be an ‘attractively priced investment for any print shop to take advantage of PUR technology.’ It also offers the option of EVA hot melt binding in the same machine. It has a speed of up to three books a minute with a binding thickness of 0.1 – 45mm, a binding length of up to 455mm and a height of 140/320mm. The company did look at a larger, more automated machine before the Fastbind range was recommended. ‘Their equipment is more suited to the variability of our work and the production of very short runs,’ Mr Roberts explained.
Minuteman also purchased the Casematic A46Z semi-automated cover maker. ‘It will give us opportunities to produce a range of new products but initially we are concentrating on learning how to make soft books on the Pureva Neo,’ Mr Roberts concluded. ‘Ashgate installed the equipment very quickly after we placed the order. Now they are helping us to make samples for our customers and are always available on the phone to give advice. We have just produced the first order for a batch of books made from FSE, recycled stock which matches our ethos to reduce the carbon footprint. The quality is very good and we look forward to developing this new venture with a variety of soft and hardback books which meet our customer’s needs and aspirations.’
