The franchise’s brand-new DC-618 slitter/cutter/creaser with integrated DC-F100 folder, installed at the end of January 2024, has joined a DBM-350 automated bookletmaker commissioned in March 2023. 

It is the first in the UK to install the new F100 folder, which was unveiled in late 2023.

Able to process up to six slits, 30 cuts and 20 creases in a single pass, the DC-618 can produce up to 23 sheets per minute – and is highly automated, a selling point for David Ghent, managing director of MMP Bath.

He explained: “This year, we will be saying goodbye to one of our most experienced finishers due to retirement, and with that loss comes a wide hole in the [company’s] skillset.

“So when Jason over at Duplo told me about their new integrated folder in-line with their DC-618 multi-finisher, I just had to have a look.

“First off, the DC-618 is a powerhouse. It just does so many products, and it’s so easy to use – if you can operate a PC, you can professionally finish approximately 60% of all jobs that need doing on the device.”

The integrated DC-F100 folder means MMP can produce folded leaflets, flyers, cards and more, while still passing everything through the single machine.

“Everything is integrated through the Fiery so that all the reg and bar codes are printed so all my operators need to do is load the DC-618 and hit the green button.”

Installed in March 2023, the DBM-350 has also helped automate MMP Bath’s finishing process, replacing an older hand-fed bookletmaker from KAS.

“The choice for the digital system was mainly to automate and improve the efficiency of all our booklet jobs. It’s just so easy and simple to use, our operators love it and find the user interface nice and simple to do job changes and setups.

“We are now able to produce A4 landscape along with a huge range of other products at the touch of a button,” Ghent added.

Jason Davies, Duplo regional sales manager, said: “David had let me know that a key member of his finishing team was retiring in May 2024. 

“I was aware that he was using two guillotines, a separate folder, creaser and separate perforator to achieve finished products. This of course, was quite labour intensive and needed trained staff. 

“The DC-618 and the new DC-F100 folder has a very small footprint and can do all of the above jobs, without [requiring] too much skill and labour time.”

The continuing investment in finishing capabilities follows on from MMP Bath’s £1m+ move to a new facility in early 2022, when it also bought two new Xerox Iridesse digital colour presses.

The move required the laying of eight miles of electrical cabling and the relocation of more than eight tonnes of machinery, but has helped the business prosper, said Ghent, who founded the business 25 years ago.

“The decision to relocate and the substantial investment dedicated to the endeavour have yielded overwhelmingly positive results,” he said.

“This strategic move has enabled us to significantly scale up our operations while simultaneously enhancing quality, standards, speed, and sustainability. 

“It marks the commencement of a new chapter for Minuteman Press Bath, and we are eager and optimistic about the future.”