Northend has updated equipment in its finishing operation helping to cope with a surge in business that has produced the best sales level for February in the 137-year history of the Sheffield printer.
“We have been working around the clock and on weekends too,” says sales director Ian McCloskey, “And this is carrying on into March.”
The company has replaced a DC646 Multifinisher with the latest iteration of the same model, offering an increase in speed and accuracy, The old machine is being retained for use for creasing covers and as a back up he says.
The company is also moving to PFI Blade B2+ cutting table. This too will enhance productivity thanks to a combination of speed and a user friendly interface compared to the outgoing unit. “The interface on the old machine was a bit clunky,” says McCloskey. “This interface is really user friendly.”
The range of work it tackles is extensive, from kiss cut labels, mock ups and prototypes and short runs of jobs where it is not cost effective to have a die made. “It’s all about speed of service that we can offer to the customers.” Those are drawn from print management, hospitality with large format, small format digital, mailing and pick and pack services. On the print side among Epson SureColor and Canon Colorado is joined by a pair of Canon V10000s toner presses and five-colour RMGT 925LED providing the litho fire power.
McCluskey says: “Our record February is a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the hard work of our team. This latest upgrade ensures we can build on that momentum and increase capacity, while improving automation, and maintaining the exceptional quality and service standards that define Northend.”
If this continues the company might need to bring forward plans for new digital print capacity expected at the end of the year.
