The North West-based commercial printer bought its fifth digital production press from Konica Minolta, a bizhub Press C1100, capable of handling jobs printed on up to 350gsm paper.
The printer replaced one of the four remaining Konica Minolta 6501 machines, cost around £80,000 and was installed two weeks ago, according to print sales director Danny Baldwin.
“We've been running the four KMs for two to three years and wanted more efficiency – quality was also becoming an issue. The new machine will save us £60,000 over four years in reduced click costs.
“It went in on 13 November and we've already done 250,000 clicks. Calendars amount to £80,000 of business a year and we needed the new printer to keep up with demand.”
Boss Direct has a digital division in Bolton and a litho works in Openshaw, Manchester, which runs two B2 Heidelberg Speedmasters: a 10-colour SM 74 and a five-colour CD 74 with coater.
“Work would previously have been output on our litho presses,” said Baldwin. “But with its high capacity and performance, the new kit is more efficient and cost-effective.”
The company said it had enjoyed substantial growth over the past two years, with new business wins totalling almost £2.3m to nearly double turnover to just under £5m.
“We now employ 76 people and continuously invest in technology and people. This latest machine will enable the department to increase production capacity and boost print quality.”
Another recent investment involved bringing all finishing in-house with the arrival of a new Osaka stitching line alongside multiple folding and finishing equipment.
Baldwin said: “We are looking at different avenues and thought about wide-format and POS work, but have been growing by acquisition and may buy another company.”
In the past five years Boss Direct has bought several companies in the Manchester area: JM Roberts, BQ Printing, Cloister Press, Dawn Print and Armin & Butler.
“We hope to achieve £6.5m turnover in 12 or so months and also sell stationery and office furniture, making us a one-stop shop for office supplies.”
He added: “Konica Minolta is a great company and worked hard to do the deal for us, making it suitable for our business. The way it was installed and managed was exceptional.”
