Port Printing Works is first cab off the rank with a brand new Scodix digital enhancement press, set to stymie the competition and add value to the business.
- Michael Baldrey and Troy Wagenaar
Distributed locally by the Currie Group, Australia’s first installation of the Scodix S47 Pro sidesteps the hassle of outsourcing traditional gloss UV with its 3D digital UV coatings, patterns and gradients, giving the Perth-based trade printer an edge in the competitive business card market.
Tom Wagenaar, director, Port Printing Works, explains the decision to invest in the new technology: “We felt we had a market for it in our business. We’re a wholesale printer and we do a lot of ganging up, especially with business cards, but to have a business card produced with a spot gloss was always expensive. We saw the potential to bring that in-house and set ourselves apart, but also set our customers apart. It adds value to the entire chain.”
Wagenaar’s predictions have been borne out, seeing a steady increase in the machine’s output as people grow more familiar with its potential.
Despite being aware of the brand for some time, Wagenaar reveals it was learning that Currie Group had picked up the agency for Australia that ultimately sealed the deal after a winning demonstration at drupa 2012.
“We have a long association with Currie. I just wouldn’t buy a piece of equipment like this if it wasn’t fully backed up by strong, local service,” he said.
Scodix also has a range of other applications that Port Printing Works is just now beginning to tap. Wagenaar reports business growth in greeting cards, book covers, postcards and presentation folders, all utilising the Scodix treatment. It also serves as a digital replacement for verko type by layering the UV gloss over text to create raised text.
Phil Rennell, sales director Currie Group, agrees that diversity of Scodix coatings and patterns make it a sure-fire way of differentiating market offering.