The Chandler's Ford, Southampton-based company was launched in September by managing director Max Middleton and his business partner and sales director Dave Swann.
Middleton is also still managing director of forms and custom stationery supplier Snows Business Forms, based in Millbrook, Southampton – where he has spent the past 18 years - while Swann, who first worked with Middleton in the late 1980s at a Swindon-based printer, has worked at print companies in both the UK and Australia.
Middleton said the firm wanted to approach the market with a new style and offering, and with the aim to offer a fast, efficient and high-quality service.
“We're above expectations so far and our staff count is ahead of where we thought we'd be as well as our turnover so it's been quite well received,” said Middleton.
“A lot of our work so far has come from direct clients and we've already got three sales guys on the ground and are just starting to run our first 24-hour shifts.”
Middleton and Swann secured funding for the venture from both Close Brothers Asset Finance and The Regional Growth Fund. The firm's total investment cost, which includes presses and other equipment, a server and the infrastructure of the building – which the business is leasing – came to more than £750,000.
Machinery includes an H-UV equipped B2 four-colour Komori Lithrone press, two Konica Minolta digital presses, including a bizhub Press C1100, a Polar guillotine, Horizon finishing equipment and the EFI GamSys MIS system.
Middleton said the company opted for the Komori as its first major press due to benefits including quick turnaround times, improved quality and minimal stock space requirement as sheets are dried immediately. He added the factory is “immaculate” as the need for spray powder is completely eliminated.
“We’ve started here with a lab-like environment and with H-UV curing we can keep it that way,” said Middleton.
The company already has 12 staff, with another person set to join in January, and is planning continued expansion in 2016. It is currently on course to at least reach its £750,000 turnover aim by the end of its first year of trade and is looking to double that within its first 30 months.
“We think we're going to continue to grow. We're quick and the press produces a fantastic sheet, a lovely looking piece of print, and that's got us more work,” said Middleton.
He added the firm has the room to add wide-format, and will look into investing in this, and other in-house services such as additional finishing kit, in the coming months.
The company has started its portfolio with a mix of jobs including educational and motor trade work and also serves customers including design agencies and blue chip companies, predominantly based along the South Coast, in the West and the Home Counties.
