A third-generation Multigraf CF-375 creaser-folder from Duplo will be the final addition to Charing Cross’ expanding kit line-up when it arrives within the next two weeks. The £20,000 investment will run alongside an existing second-generation CF-375, which the firm will keep for peak periods.
Around two months ago Duplo also provided Central London-based Charing Cross with an £80,000 DBM 600i digital bookletmaking system, running inline feeder, stitcher and squareback modules. It expands on the pre-existing capabilities of the firm’s Duplo 2000 system by enabling the option of full end-to-end A4 landscape booklet printing and binding when working in tandem with Charing Cross' print technology.
Director Mark Dobson said: “It has been a very dramatic time for us with all this investment – not only getting the new machines, but also taking the full shebang on the 600i so we have unrivalled capability and functionality.
“In Central London, turnaround times need to be quick and quality needs to be high to stand a chance of competing. We have a number of very large clients, including some European retailers, as well as hotels, bars and venues that expect high quality done fast.
“We are a team of seven, pretty much sitting on top of each other in our tiny base but we have a very slick workflow and I am anticipating a lot of interest from bigger clients now that our investment is finally concluded.”
Further to its Duplo haul, Charing Cross has also seen delivery of a Vivid Pneumatic laminator with Omni-Flow feeder and foiling unit for £20,000, two Xerox Versant 2100 digital printers, a Fastbind Elite perfect binder and two Ideal guillotines – a 6660 and a 4860 – in the last 12 months.
Also run on the firm’s circa 200sqm premises are a Xerox J75 production printer and an HP Latex 360, which, at three years old, is now the oldest piece of kit onsite.
Having grown its revenue by 40% and doubled its workforce in the past four years, Dobson said he was intent on continuing the business's growth trajectory.
“Options for the future will probably go between increasing our outsourcing or possibly opening another location, but we work so efficiently and harmoniously at our current home that I am happy to grow here for now.”
Charing Cross Print currently turns over £800,000, running “way above capacity with never a quiet moment”, according to Dobson.
