UK • Family-owned trade printer Craig & Parsons has installed a Mark Andy Digital One press at its plant in Folkestone, Kent, to handle short run work. The toner-based entry level digital press joins six narrow web flexo presses that includes a four-colour Mark Andy 2200 UV flexo label printing.
With most of the UK’s leading supermarket retailers and office suppliers among its indirect customers, Craig & Parsons was looking for technology that offered flexible production capability with high-end quality. But, there was little on the market that met the company’s criteria for cost-effective production until a visit to Labelexpo in Brussels changed its mind. “We had been waiting a long time for a digital print solution like Digital One was an impulse buy – we saw it, liked it, and bought it!” said Nikki Gordon.
According to the both companies, the result is a high quality label printing and manufacturing business that is bespoke to the requirement, budget, and timescale of each customer, and the latest investment in digital print technology highlights the company’s determination to stay ahead of its competitors. The acquisition of local label converter Speedstick’s business in 2015, and the installation of its 2200 press allowed Craig & Parsons to open new CMYK business, including some direct with customers, and the new Mark Andy Digital One will bring further diversification to short run work.
Speaking for Craig & Parsons’ third generation of family management, Nikki Gordon explained: “My grandparents Cyril and Win established the business in 1945 and our success has been built on three generations of designing, printing and manufacturing expertise.”