Folio, a Bristol-based trade finisher, has installed a Duplo PFi Blade B2 to help it produce bespoke short run boxes and packaging for its own products.
The company currently processes more than 100 quotes a day from printers across the UK, with owner Andy Bird saying that this capacity was been made possible by a move to new premises back in 2019. ‘Moving the business and relocating staff has led to us moving to a more strategic outlook,’ Mr Bird explained. ‘I’m now more able to run the company as a business leaving managing director Richard Hughes to deal with workflow and our processes.
‘We pretty much produce everything in-house but with volumes getting smaller, we’ve found the number of orders has increased and is increasing, we required an easy-to-use digital cutting table. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with Duplo since purchasing the 600i Bookletmaker in late 2017.
‘It’s not the type of machine we normally would have purchased, but it has become invaluable. The sheer range of jobs that can be put through the machine, not limited to booklets is amazing. I have the same feeling with the new PFi Blade. It’s a great addition to our ever-growing list of equipment. We’re discussing ideas with designers now for concept designs to enhance our products. I’m sure we’ll be getting much more out of the machine than we originally intended.’
Though the PFi Blade B2 was bought mainly to produce bespoke boxes for the transportation of products to Folio’s customers, Mr Bird believes that it will also open up a range of new avenues for his business. ‘Due to the vast range of products and jobs we produce, purchasing generic boxes is not ideal – printed products need to arrive well packaged, and protected giving our customers the peace of mind they need to order again with us.
‘But now after seeing what the machine can do and some of the applications Duplo has shown us it has the ability to open up new opportunities and to adapt to new markets conditions.’
Jason Davies, Duplo’s regional sales manager also gave his thoughts on both the installation and Folio itself. ‘I have spoken to many companies through the lockdown in the region,’ he said, ‘and many took the period to re-structure and re-evaluate their businesses. Folio have been the most forward thinking of all of them! Through the pandemic, it has been great hearing the success stories of our customers, and even better to have the opportunity to these help companies succeed. The PFi Blade B2 will take Folio into open new revenue streams with inexpensive prototyping, short run boxes, labels and much more. It’s a great opportunity with a low investment point!’
