Activity in the folders and folder gluers sector has pretty much ground to a halt over the past 12 months. The economic downturn has meant that there aren't many companies out there investing in new equipment. However, while investment is currently depressed, take-up is expected to recover as existing machines wear out.
"It has to happen at some point. Older machines tend to break down more often," says Stuart Bamford, Friedheim International UK and Ireland sales manager for post-press products.
That said, Murray Lock, joint managing director of M Partners, observes that 2009 was a struggle. "Our focus on folders has been in sectors where we could add value. This has typically involved areas such as miniature folding, two-up work and other specialist areas. However, 2009 saw limited opportunity even in these areas," he says.
And Bamford believes that print firms are missing a trick by not investing in this kind of equipment - as a sector, he reckons, it is being overlooked.
"Printers will buy the latest CTP equipment, but when it comes to finishing they just plod on with what they have. Take-up on automation in folding has been disappointing," he adds.
There are different levels of automation available on different machines. Fully automatic machines usually require little set-up, which enhances makeready times. Short- to medium-length runs rely on set-up being made as easy and speedy as possible, and can take advantage of job programmes to double the machine's capacity.
Focus on skills
Investing is one thing, training is quite another. Finishers have been focusing on ensuring that their staff are fully up to speed on the latest kit and most manufacturers and suppliers offer training and in-house support for customers. "We have seen an increased demand for our training services on existing folder installations, as customers seek to get the most of out their current equipment," explains Lock. "Training can be provided either at the customer's own site, or at GUK's facilities in Germany. Our customised training focuses on realistic goals for their production."
When purchasing new folders or folder gluers it's worth talking to several trusted sellers to get a full picture of the market and the kind of technology that's available. "Buyers tend to remember what was in the market and just go for that. For example, MBO has three new models out so you need to find out what the benefits are," says Bamford.
WHAT'S NEW IN FOLDERS AND FOLDER GLUERS
? An unnamed printing company in the south of England is the first in the UK to purchase a Bobst Ambition folder gluer. The machine is designed to produce presentation folders, wallets, brochures, packaging and CD or DVD sleeves. Delivery to the company is due to take place in March
? Commercial printer Pollards has bought a Heidelberg Stahl folder as part of a three-year investment. The £350,000 spend also included a Heidelberg Stitchmaster and a Duplo DPB-500 PUR binder
? Academic bookbinders Hollingworth and Moss set up a photobook division in December last year after splashing out £180,000 on new kit from Ashgate Automation. The investment included a KAS CreaseMatic150 programmable creaser with CreaseFold on-line folder and MD-650 roll laminator
? Nampak Healthcare boosted its turnover by 35% to £19m following a £4m installation of a Komori press and a Heidelberg Diana Pro 114 folder gluer last year
? Duplo International has extended the inline capabilities on its DC-645 slitter-cutter-creaser and DC-445 creaser range. The company added a knife fold attachment to the single system operation in November. Duplo’s knife folder incorporates two-knife folds for parallel fold applications such as letter and gate folds
