Phoenix-like Leicester printing company records record results

Despite a factory fire in May this year which threatened production, Leicester-based printing and marketing communications company the Taylor Bloxham Group says it had its best-ever year in 2017 after a six-month programme of investment.

The fire affected print finishing processes with the binding line and saddle stitching capabilities put out of action. The company responded by outsourcing operations in the short term and then embarked on a plan of repair, investment and growth.

The company has expanded operations to an additional site and has also set up a new division dedicated to direct mail. Insurance pay-outs plus additional investment combined to deliver investment of £2.3m which has enabled the Group to more than double its capacity.

“At first the fire seemed like a potential disaster, but with some careful planning we were able to maintain service levels for our clients,” said chief executive Robert Lockwood. “We decided to look on the fire as an opportunity. The combined investment of £2.3m, which includes
the insurance settlement, has enabled us to install a range of cutting edge machinery and invest in new equipment, premises and staff.”

New machinery purchased includes a Scitex 11000, the Primera MC, a saddle stitching system and an Alegro Perfect Binder. The Group’s printing division is also due to install a new Indigo 7900 digital press in January and a Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 in April 2018. This marks a switch from the more traditional Heidelberg presses.

“We will be celebrating our 80th anniversary this year. With this new equipment we anticipate a significantly increased turnover as well as being able to offer a quicker and more cost effective service with the highest print quality,” added Lockwood. “We aim to combine 80 years of experience with the latest print and finishing technology to lead the way in the printing and communications industry throughout 2018 and beyond.”

The Taylor Bloxham Group currently employs around 200 people across the four divisions which include Taylor Bloxham printing, FastAnt fulfilment and e-commerce division, Instore design and point of purchase operation and the newly created direct mail brand Mailbox.

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