Bluetree has completed the acquisition of Kingsbury Press in Doncaster to add a high quality book printer to its online print operation.
There are no plans to change the way the Kingsbury operates, having built up a portfolio of clients in real estate development, designers and galleries, many of which are in the US. Adam Carnell, co CEO of Bluetree, says: “Kingsbury will be part of the Bluetree print division but will continue to operate as Kingsbury Press. One of the key drivers for the acquisition was Kingsbury’s fantastic brand.
“This was a fantastic opportunity for Bluetree to purchase a company that will enhance our product range. It offers additional space, machine capacity and expertise, as well as support to our current team. There is the chance to drive Kingsbury forward as well as adding a new range of products to our current brands – the businesses complement each other well.”
Kingsbury moved into a 5,500m2, zero emissions building in Doncaster at the end of 2019, having purchased a Speedmaster CX102-6 a few months previously. This was a move up from the two XL75s it had been operating. It has retained one of the XL75s. Kingsbury employs 37, with sales around £5.7 million before the move and pandemic.
As well as high quality print experience and extensive experience of different styles of binding and embellishment, a key attraction was the project management experience that Kingsbury has.
More and more of Route 1 Print’s customer base are making inquiries about work that goes beyond the standard items that Bluetree excels at: higher pagination books being one example. It has different styles of section sewing and its own K-Flat, lay flat binding technique.
Kingsbury was founded in 1966 and has been owned by the Layton family since. While no longer shareholders, “the current shareholders will be remaining with the business for a period of time before any decisions are made regarding the future” says Carnell. “We will not be making changes initially and will continue operating the business as it is, including the US side.
“We are committed to continuing to drive Kingsbury Press forward and working with their existing clients whilst opening the offering up to our reseller audience.”
“The team at Kingsbury have created an incredible business dedicated to ‘The Art of Print’. They will add a wealth of knowledge and experience to our business.”
That now employs more than 650 and generates sales of £52 million, with a further round of growth on the way.
The Doncaster factory is only a few miles from the Bluetree plant in Rotherham. But other acquisitions in the South Yorkshire area are not on the cards, at least not yet. “We’re not currently looking,” he says. “We are, however, open to further investments if they align with the vision for the business.”
