Watkiss Automation is exhibiting at Digital Print World on stand 351.
The company is presenting a range of booklet making solutions for digital
print applications and showing how printers can profit through innovation.
Watkiss, well known as a leading innovator in print finishing
technology, will be demonstrating the Watkiss PowerSquare™ book making
machine, the Document Finishing System and the Watkiss DigiVAC collating
and finishing system. All are innovative products designed to maximise
efficiency and flexibility, and hence profitability, in the finishing
operation.
“Innovation isn’t just about the technology, its about new ideas and
methods – and how you use them to stay ahead of the competition. Its
challenging how you approach your workflow, and that includes how you
finish your printed jobs.” says Paul Attew, sales director.
The Watkiss PowerSquare™ is a complete book making system for
digital print applications. It produces SquareBack™ books up to 200
pages thick. This is double the specification of alternative
conventional booklet making machines, making the PowerSquare™200 a fast
and cost effective alternative to perfect binding or spine taping. Since
it will also produce books from only a few sheets, it provides a single
book making solution for documents from 8 through to 200 pages.
The Document Finishing System (DFS) is a multi-function finisher
which operates as a sheet feeder, cover inserter & booklet-maker for
electronically collated sets; or as a standard collator and
booklet-maker for batch-printed sets. It operates offline or online to a
wide range of cut-sheet digital printers, allowing printing and booklet
making in one seamless operation. This online/offline capability – and
the ability to combine the output from multiple print sources - ensures
maximum flexibility and utilisation of finishing resources. The DFS
features a barcode reader and variable data option.
The Watkiss DigiVAC is the only collating system to feed sheets from
the bottom of the stack. This gives the benefit of continuous operation,
with no downtime for bin reloading. The result is higher production,
greater ease of use and lower capital outlay. The DigiVAC is available
with 8 or 12 stations and a choice of booklet making options.
The Watkiss SpineMaster will be demonstrated online to both the
Document Finishing System and the Watkiss DigiVAC. The SpineMaster has
revolutionised the booklet making market, with its unique square-spined
stitched booklets (SquareBack books) now the accepted standard.
Digital Print World takes place 16-18 October at Earls Court, London.
Notes for editors
Watkiss Automation Ltd. is a wholly family owned and managed company which
has been designing and manufacturing innovative print finishing equipment
since 1974. Design and manufacturing facilities are located in Sandy,
Bedfordshire (UK). The company serves the digital and offset print market
through direct sales, a world-wide distribution channel and OEM partners.
The principal product ranges include the Watkiss Vario and Watkiss DigiVAC
Collating and Finishing Systems, the Watkiss BookMaster, Watkiss
SpineMaster, and the new Watkiss PowerSquare.
Watkiss Sales Growth Continues
Watkiss Automation Limited reports orders valued at over £3.3million
for its new PowerSquare™ machine – on top of an increase in sales for
established products of over 20% for the 12 months to February 2007.
Sandy, Bedfordshire UK. 08 June 2007 – Watkiss Automation Limited
announces a growth in sales during the 12 months to February 2007 of 20%.
The figure includes the company’s established products but excludes the
new PowerSquare™. This reflects increasing sales of all products
worldwide, buoyant sales after Ipex last year and developing business with
OEM partners.
Watkiss designs and manufactures collating, booklet making
and print finishing equipment for both the digital and offset print
market. “Although we have seen a steady growth in most product areas, it
has been especially significant for the SpineMaster, which has increased
3-fold. The market has embraced the concept of the SquareBack™ book and
print buyers specify it as their preferred finish.” explains Sales
Director Paul Attew.
The company is also announcing an order book in
excess of £3.3million for its new PowerSquare™ book making machine which
was previewed at Ipex last year. In order to meet demand, Watkiss has
recruited additional staff in production and administration roles
increasing the total number of employees by approximately 10%.
The PowerSquare™ is a complete book making machine which includes
stitching, folding, spine forming and trimming to produce SquareBack books
up to 200 pages thick. It operates online to digital printers, or as an
offline unit. “Demand for offline machines has been higher than expected.”
says Paul Attew “For many customers it is a viable alternative to perfect
binding – and it’s faster, cheaper to run, and of course more secure
thanks to the stitched spine.”
Despite unfavourable exchange rates, Watkiss Automation is
demonstrating the value of innovation in product design and efficient
manufacturing methods in order to succeed in international markets.
Notes for editors
Watkiss Automation Ltd. is a wholly family owned and managed
company which has been designing and manufacturing innovative print
finishing equipment since 1974. Design and manufacturing facilities are
located in Sandy, Bedfordshire (UK). The company serves the digital and
offset print market through direct sales, a world-wide distribution
channel and OEM partners. The principal product ranges include the Watkiss
Vario and Watkiss DigiVAC Collating and Finishing Systems, the Watkiss
BookMaster, Watkiss SpineMaster, and the new Watkiss PowerSquare.
[SquareBack books have the square-spined appearance of perfect
binding, coupled with the security of a stitched spine. They lie flat and
are easy to pack, stack and handle. There is no risk of loose pages and
you can print on the spine.]
