Describe your business
We are the UK’s only multi-utility provider – we supply gas, electricity, landline, broadband and mobile phones to 1% of the UK market. We are unique in that we don’t have any shops. Instead, we have more than 30,000 self-employed sales people up and down the country. We’re based in north London and trade as the Utility Warehouse.
What does the machine do?
It’s a collator. We use it to collate the various marketing materials that we supply to our national salesforce.
Why did you choose this particular machine?
We bought it last summer as we were getting very, very busy and collating material by hand. This has sped up the process and made things a lot quicker.
Did you look at any other similar machines?
It was really between Col-Tec and another machine from a manufacturer in India, a company that was subsequently bought by Col-Tec. For the price it was available at, there was no competition.
What features do you particularly like?
This machine can be programmed to take a variety of options. For example, it can run two forms from one station and 10 from another. Once that programme is stored, then you don’t have to change it.
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
As I’ve not had experience of similar machines, it’s difficult to say if there is anything else it needs.
How fast is it?
It is capable of running at 3,000 sets per hour, but we don’t run it at top speed as we just wouldn’t be able to keep up
with it.
How reliable is it?
There is pretty much no maintenance needed on this. In the first couple of days there was a paper jam but this was an operator error and wasn’t because of the machine.
How easy is it to use?
It is straightforward and incorporates touch screen technology.
How much time or money has it saved?
It has saved plenty of time – we are collating certain jobs in days while in the past it could take one month. Over time, it will definitely save money.
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
Installing the machine was fine and Col-Tec was very helpful.
What about the pre- and after-sale service?
Col-Tec has been good at helping us since the installation and we had a two-day training course. We’ve also had a representative from Col-Tec pop-in to check the machine and find out if everything was okay.
Who do you think the machine is right for?
I think it is well-suited for a printing company that collates material. We are quite different from Col-Tec’s normal customers as many are printers.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
One is good enough. There are plenty of areas where the collator could be upgraded if needed, but I don’t think we would need to buy another one.
Conclusion
User’s verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 5/5
Supplier’s response
Paul Bailey, sales director at Col-Tec, says: The machine has been on the market for around two years and is aimed at the mail fulfilment sector. It has been a tremendous success and a springboard for Col-Tec. While the machine speeds up the process, cost is a big factor. Companies can spend more than £100,000 on a traditional inserter-gatherer or go for the slower manual process. With the Signature Collator, it is a £50,000 investment and can handle 3,000 sets per hour of varying sizes – it is very efficient.
Price £50,000 (depending on number of feeders and options)
Contact Col-Tec 01425 627755
