Brilliant Media in automated cutting spend

Brilliant Media has added automated cutting to its facilities after buying an Esko Kongsberg cutting table at Duplo’s London Calling event this week.

The firm, based in north-west London, works with a wide range of blue-chip corporate clients. The type of work it produces typically involves high-value projects that could encompass print, augmented reality, and cross-media aspects.

Brilliant Media runs a variety of printing and finishing kit, including wide-format devices, and had previously been hand-cutting some of its bespoke output.

“We are a production house that behaves like an agency. That means we can offer all the benefits of an agency, with the costs of a production house,” explained managing director Simon Tabelin. “The Esko is a great machine. We looked at other options but we opted for the Esko because of our relationship with Duplo.”

The Kongsberg V24 digital cutting table represents a circa £100,000 investment for the 16-staff firm, which has turnover of around £2m. The cutter, which can handle sheets up to 1.7x3.2m, will be installed in a fortnight.

“No finance was required, we are paying for it out of our profits,” Tabelin added.

Tony Kenton, the firm’s brand and marketing director, said one of the applications for the new device would be personalised die-cutting.

“Finishing makes the job,” he said. “We are working on propositions and pitches where the size, look and feel of the piece is relative to the person it is being sent to. It could be a £20 envelope because it’s a £1m pitch.

“We are working on jobs that could be one piece, or 100 runs of one.”

Duplo UK managing director Peter Jolly said he was delighted to win Brilliant’s business. “The Esko is all about differentiation. It really does give something different and Brilliant Media is a perfect customer for it.”

Pictured at London Calling, left-to-right:  Brilliant Media director Simeon Chodosh, Tabelin, Jolly, Kenton, and Duplo regional business manager Andy Pike.