New Guillotine Plays Pivotal Role for East Lindsey

East Lindsey District Council’s three-year plan to revolutionise its printing department is already reaping rewards.

A year into the project that has seen the introduction of digital print through investment in Oce and Ricoh engines, savings of more than £50,000 have already been made. John Box, print and design manager, says the latest addition of a Perfecta 76 TVC guillotine from Graphic Arts Equipment has further slashed costs, in particular by reducing the need for outsourcing work.

Mr Box opted for the advanced TVC model, which features a  10.4” colour touchscreen and intuitive programming system because he was keen to combine easy-to-operate machinery with the quality of finish demanded in commercial print.

He explains: “The fact the Perfecta guillotine is so easy to use was very important. As a local authority it is critical that staff feel confident in using the equipment. There are not many printers in the area so some of our employees have never seen this type of equipment before.

“The touchscreen display is so easy to use it saves the operators a great deal of time. And the ability to store so many programmes means set up is extremely fast and reduces the margin for error – essential for a local authority run organisation.”

Past experience of using Perfecta helped Mr Box make the choice. He added: “The Perfecta represents value for money and is well built. It was an easy decision to make. I used GAE equipment when I worked at Walsall Council so I know the service that you get from GAE is first class.”

Mr Box was brought in by the council to reinvigorate the tired printing department. He has already overseen the introduction of digital printing and the investment in the bindery.

The next two phases of the project at the £400,000 turnover operation will concentrate on upgrading the layout and design areas and introducing a self-service copying and binding facility for council employees.