£3m investment brings security to printing business

Bishops Printers, in Walton Road, Farlington, has installed new equipment – including a 10-colour press, a five-colour press, a new paper folder and binder.

Managing director Gareth Roberts said the £3m round of investment was needed to maintain a competitive advantage and so the company could meet expected growth in demand.

He said: ‘I really worry about making substantial investments like this, especially in an uncertain economic climate, but equally I’d worry about not making the investments and falling behind in the market.

‘We have always tried to keep the business fresh and improving, with a steady and consistent investment programme, so this latest series of arrivals is just part of that trend.’

The family-run printing business was established in 1985 and is now one of the largest specialist B2 lithographic print firms in the UK.

Over the past three decades, Bishops has expanded its in-house print, finishing, and direct mail services and now employs 250 staff.

Mr Roberts said he believes the new £1.6m 10-colour press, made by Heidelberg, with its faster times, reduced waste and increased capacity is an important new addition to the print fleet at Bishops.

Bishops has also added a second perfect binder to more than double its capacity, and a 14th Stahl folder – a type of paper folder – to keep pace with high demand, minimise make-ready times and reduce lead times for customers.

Mr Roberts said: ‘Ensuring we are able to look after our clients’ needs for high-quality, competitively-priced print now and in the future, as well as securing the future for our 250-strong UK workforce, is the driving force behind this commitment.’