It was for this reason that he took on the eight-colour perfecting KBA Rapida
106 press. This press features the fastest production speed and the highest
specification available in the local market. With a top speed of 20 000 sheets
per hour and the ability to complete a makeready in under ten minutes, it
means that this is a highly productive and versatile press. All eight plates
can be changed simultaneously in under a minute.
Andre commented, ‘The speed and flexibility of this press makes it possible for
us to outperform many of the upcoming digital presses. Our makeready times are
the fastest in the market. Also with the fact that this press has a sheeter, we can
compete with the eight-page web press market. The combination of the speed
and the economies-of-scale associated with buying paper in reels means that
we have the best of both worlds.’
Meeting customer needs is the driving force behind everything the company
does. While many companies make this claim, it is actions which speak louder
and at House of Print the action is there, 24/7. The company runs a continental
three shift system. Most people should know that this means all-day, every-day.
However, unlike most companies, all production departments in the company
run all-day every-day, you can even have your jobs delivered after hours if that is
what you require. Only one press runs a two shift system and that one is used
to handle the overtime work, so even here, there is no rest.
Even platemaking is done around the clock, this means that the prepress
department and the computer-to-plate department both have to work. Andre
commented, ‘We have reached the point where we have to be able to meet our
customers’ needs for round-the-clock production. We cannot afford to have any
weak points in our production lines. Computer-to-plate is an essential element.
This is the reason we replaced two of our semi-automated systems with the fully
automatic Basysprint system earlier this year. The other advantage of this system
is that it uses conventional plates which are less expensive than thermal plates.
We have been able to pass those savings onto our customers.’
While House of Print offers a broad range of print services to its clients it has
learned, since being part of the CTP Group, that it cannot be everything to
everyone. Andre added, ‘We have realised that we have certain areas of
expertise and it is essential, both for ourselves and our clients, that we stick to
those areas. If we try to spread ourselves too thin trying to please everyone then
our existing clients will suffer. We would rather turn a client away and lose the
income than compromise on quality, service or our reputation. There is also no
such thing as favours in business, we work strictly to the group rule of “No Pay,
No Print”. This means that we are not jeopardising the company and we are not
assisting unscrupulous customers.’
With its spread of equipment, its 147-strong staff complement – which is
growing – its extended operating hours and its economies-of-scale, House
of Print is stronger as part of the larger CTP Group than it would be
operating independently.
There is one other benefit which being part of a larger group offers to House of
Print and its clients. Being part of the CTP Group means that the company has
direct access to the production capabilities and buying-power of the parent group.
What this means is that clients can have their jobs produced in the most cost-
effective and efficient manner. Samples or short-run work can be created on the
digital printing systems, with main runs produced on the sheetfed litho presses.
Should clients require longer runs, these can be done within the group on the
web or gravure presses, if that is the requirement.
Andre added, ‘We can offer our clients the very best quality at the most
economical prices. We simply select the best production method to achieve
the optimum results for our customers. Our range of equipment, combined with
that available throughout the group, means that customers will always receive
the best quality with the best levels of service.’
The ability to focus across a spread of market sectors gives House of Print the
depth of product range which will allow it to weather the peaks and troughs
associated with the printing industry. Andre is well aware of the fact that this
is an industry in decline. He concluded, ‘If we maintain our service and quality
levels, our customers and new customers will continue to come to us. It is all
about gearing our production to meet the requirements of the industries we are
servicing. We place strong emphasis on customer satisfaction whether that be
offering fast turnaround times, quick repeat jobs or simply saving money while
we produce top-quality work. Our customers know they can get it from House
of Print and this is what keeps them coming back.’
The eight-colour perfecting KBA Rapida 106 press
Andre Bam, managing director
Nex Media •
Vol 2 Issue 3
13
