‘Everyone wants something different’ – the changing face of ‘for trade’ printing.
“People want embellishments as well as new stocks.
Our customers are very educated.” Alex Coulson
Leading ‘for trade’ supplier, Heroprint, has expanded its range of products to meet the increasingly diversified demand of its ‘for trade’ customers.
The new Hero print stock selector is an expanded selection of uncoated, coated, recycled and speciality stocks. It now lists 61 variations, 24 treatments and seven new stocks, reflecting Alex Coulson’s determination to meet each and every requirement of his trade customers. The stylish guide is not exhaustive, but it goes a long way towards showcasing the range of products and treatments that the leading ‘for trade’ printing company supplies.
“It’s been a big job putting it together, but I’m very pleased with how it turned out. It used to be we’d have a limited range and produce jobs like five thousand booklets in 150gsm, but these days it seems like everyone wants something different,” said Coulson at the company’s Alexandria production HQ.
“It wasn’t so long ago that foiling and embellishing were fairly rare. Now it’s every second job. People want embellishments as well as new stocks. Our customers are very educated. They want everything. ‘For trade’ printing has completely changed and we’re changing to meet it, he said.
Increasing the range of paper stocks and other substrates, including magnetic and plastics, along with gold and silver ink, is part of that change. The arrival of the company’s KOMORI 10-40p HUV Perfecting Press, the first in Australia, has expanded the possibilities exponentially. For instance, raised printed business cards can be ganged up on the HUV press in a way impossible for smaller printers to even attempt. Synthetic substrates are becoming ever more popular.
“We have the capacity and if ten customers want raised UV printing, we can build the runs and take care of the economics,” said Coulson.
In addition Hero print has begun to supply wide format products at its customers’ request. The first banner order left the factory last week and while Coulson doesn’t ever see it as becoming a major business, it’s all part of the diversified service.
There is a determination at Hero print to not only stay abreast of the changing market but to look one step ahead. At drupa the company signed on and placed a deposit on one of the Komori Landa presses for delivery in 2018.
“Everything is possible for us. We recognise the way the market is going and when the Komori Landa comes on we’ll have the ability to do fifty sheets on specialty stock without waste. That’s the future, and we’re getting ready for it,” he said.
In addition to the big KOMORI, the company operates a range of digital presses including a HP Indigo 7800 as well as Ricoh and Kodak engines. An extensive customer survey last year identified market trends and reinforced Coulson’s strategy to expand the offering in both product and in ways of printing.
For your copy of the new stock selector contact Alex Coulson.