The Berkshire-based firm took on staff in April to ease overtime workloads following growing demand for a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week service on its three Inca Digital machines. The new recruits have just completed a six-week induction and training process.
The company invested in its first Inca Spyder 320 8-colour flatbed in 2007, and has bought further machines every two years afterwards. Kremer Signs sales manager Gary Gosney said that investing in the digital market on the brink of the recession was a gamble, but one that has paid off.
"We picked up customers through the recession by keeping our ears to the ground, but the volumes were not there. Now, I hear the property industry has experienced a return in the marketplace and the volumes have increased," he said.
He added that the digital machines have brought in new business with their eight-colour offering, which enables the Berkshire-based printers to achieve the vibrant colours desired by clients. The presses’ ability to print eight boards at once has reduced turnaround times to increase capacity and, in turn, demand.
Gosney added: "Five or six years ago, we were as busy as we are now, but our lead times were eight weeks, which we knew was not acceptable. Our workflow has reached 10 to 15 days now that we can print eight boards at one time, all with different designs."
He said the company used 40% Inca machines and 60% Screen equipment and would look to invest in further digital Inca machines, as they were calibrated to allow last-minute changes in press scheduling.
Kremer Signs works primarily with the property market, supplying sales and lettings signs and site boards.
