Martins Printing Group has split its short-run book and journal division Unwin Brothers into two, forming a new operation, Dataworld.


We decided to split the company in two. That way were more focused on costs and in control, said Mike Andrew, managing director of both firms.


Dataworld provides data management and database and website hosting as well as digital print, while Unwin Brothers focuses on conventional print production.


Around 45% of its 4m turnover comes from digital print with the rest coming from data handling. I see digital print as an expression of data handling, said Andrew.


The firm has just signed off its Oc DemandStream 8090 web-fed digital printer, which has been specially modified to take lightweight stocks of 40gsm.


We specialise in information printing, distribution costs and volume thickness are important, said Andrew. Runs were getting so short conventional print wasnt competitive.


Modifications to the machine included fitting static eliminators and rehumidifiers.


Colour is the next development for the firm.


Story by Barney Cox