The new contract also represents an increase in size, with pagination up from 28pp to 32pp and a 17% bigger format at 270x195mm. Marketing tests had proved that these sizes generated a higher response, due to having more products per page.

It has printed the catalogues since December 2000 after The Cotswold Company decided to switch production from web offset to gravure, taking advantage of Polestars online press stitching facilities. Polestar Varnicoat now prints, stitches and ink-jet codes the catalogues on its TR6.

According to northern sales director Robert Clark, five companies were asked to quote for the contract, including The Cotswold Companys other incumbent, German printer Mohn Media, which prints its mailing catalogue. Polestar also tendered for the mailing catalogue contract.

We did come under pressure from Europe, but its reassuring to know that companies recognise the value of a job and the benefits of continuity, not just the financial cost, said Clark.

Eight issues will be printed during the two years, with production runs varying between 1.5m and 6m, depending on seasonal demands and other external factors.


Polestar Hannibal has just completed a 17-week World Cup sticker promotion in the Daily Stars 64pp Star Time magazine, which is printed by Polestar Purnell.

Millions of the stickers were produced each week, featuring past and present players from all the countries taking part in the competition.

Story by Rachel Barnes