Full service London general commercial printer Precision Printing and WhereTheTradeBuys.co.uk has chosen a Photobook Technology MitaBlock 450 gluing machine from Intelligent Finishing Systems to elevate its service offering for trade buyers.

Andy Skarpellis, Precision Printing’s Chief Operating Officer, says: “We already had a layflat solution but it was an entry level machine and we needed the next level up. We wanted something that could cope with the increased demand for photobooks and reduce the amount of work we were outsourcing. It has enabled us to manage 90% of the jobs inhouse now. It was also important to drive new products to market for existing clients.”

He continues: “We tested the market but have a long-term relationship with Photobook Technology and IFS. We know Photobook’s technology and their systems and we trust them. They are one of the best companies we have worked with. And IFS, as their agent, is also one of our long-term suppliers so it was a no brainer knowing we would make the investment with the support of both of them.

“There were also a number of things that stood out on the MitaBlock. First was its footprint which meant it could be fitted in straight away, next was its ease of use with the team able to operate it after just half a day’s training and lastly the fact it is so versatile with its hot glue technology.

“It had an instant impact. Production already had the imposition set up so we could hit the floor running. It is a lot faster than our old system. We have seen a three-fold increase in the work we can now handle. We are getting through many more jobs.

The simple to operate compact, fully automatic MitaBlock 450 gluing machine is designed for the production of albums, photobooks and promotional books in small quantities. The machine easily handles a wide range of substrates.

Skarpellis concludes: “We normally work towards an 18 month to 12-month return on investment and the MitaBlock will certainly meet that.”