'we have improved control and increased the amount of business we are doing...'

A reduction in costs and a boost in business are being enjoyed by Colophon & Lavengro Print following the Wembley operation’s recent investment in its finishing department through supplier Graphic Arts Equipment.

The installation of a twin tower Horizon VAC-Turbo PowerCollator with in-line 11,000bph StitchLiner saddlestitching line and a Perfecta 115 TVC guillotine with stack lift have improved efficiency to enable the SRA2 commercial print specialist to take on more work at all levels – from stationery to booklets, catalogues and brochures.

Sandeep Patel, C&L General Manager says: “The automation on these systems means we have reduced time spent on jobs and improved our capacity. Previously we were sending out our long-run booklet jobs to trade finishers but now that all stays in house. We have improved control and increased the amount of business we are doing.”

“We were running a Duplo machine which was getting old and the type of business we are doing now has changed. With customers demanding more and more in terms of performance, we needed a heavy duty machine and the StitchLiner is a great improvement.”

The Perfecta  was also bought to replace an older machine and Mr Sandeep adds: “With the programmability guillotining is much more efficient. We can cut more sheets which increases our efficiency too. Before, we were under-equipped for the work we were doing but now the finishing is much more efficient and productive.”

Colophon & Lavengro Print already has a G.A.E supplied Horizon AFC-546A automated  4-plate combination folding machine but Mr Patel said other options were still researched before the investment was made: “We did look at other bookletmakers and guillotines,” he said. “But the fact G.A.E was able to supply both pieces of equipment and our experience with the first Horizon made the decision easier.”