The Ivybridge, Devon-based printer took delivery of the new kit in February. Owner Alan Dakin was originally in the market for a secondhand folder/creaser, but a visit to Duplo’s showroom changed that plan.
“When we visited the showroom, the DC‑618 and F100 caught my eye and I knew straight away that I wanted them,” said Dakin.
“Neil Scott, the Duplo showroom manager, was great, showing me all the exciting products Duplo have to offer, but the DC-618 really stood out as giving me the best bang for my buck.
“This model was chosen due to the wide options that it offers – trimming, creasing, folding, and perforating all in one.”
He added: “Our latest installations from Duplo are a compact, high-performance duo that has transformed our workflow and opened up exciting new business opportunities.”
The DC‑618 is a fully automated finishing system capable of performing up to six slits, thirty cuts, and twenty creases in a single pass, making it suitable for full-bleed applications including business cards, brochures, and greetings cards.
By pairing it with the DC‑F100, Colourbridge can now finish jobs like folded leaflets and greetings cards easily in one pass.
Dakin founded Colourbridge in April 2014, taking over a local print shop just off the high street. A second member of staff joined in 2017. The company has high foot traffic and, with a small team, automation was key to its investment.
“Production has increased and freed up lots of time to speak to customers and get their order completed quicker,” said Dakin.
“Purchasing the machine has freed up lots of time, workflow has increased due to this and customer satisfaction has also increased.”
Colourbridge has also been able to reduce manual tasks like hand-folding and separate perforation, which previously slowed things down.
“Trimming, creasing and folding for greetings cards is our favourite option. It cuts out a lot of manual processes,” said Dakin.
The company was an existing Duplo customer, having previously invested in a DBM‑150 bookletmaker and Ideal guillotine from the manufacturer.
“Installation was great; very efficient and friendly staff made the whole process enjoyable. Jason [Davies, regional sales manager] has been an asset to Duplo, very honest and not at all pushy. He discussed everything clearly, which is why I am a returning customer.”
Davies also commented: “Knowing Alan’s business, I just knew that a simple creaser folder wouldn’t cut it for him. With the amount of foot traffic he receives, his entire production grinds to a halt and so he needed the automation that the DC-618 could offer him.
“He even installed and integrated the Fiery with the DC-618 before we could get to it. It’s a powerful combination that has freed him up to really give his customers the headspace and help they need.”
Following the installation, Colourbridge is now looking ahead to further expansion.
“We’ll be offering new folded leaflets and products which we weren’t able to do in the past. In the long run, this will be more cost-effective when replacing the printer,” said Dakin.
The company is also hoping to add an automatic feeder to its DBM‑150 in the future to support larger runs.
The new devices sit alongside Colourbridge’s Xerox Versant 280 digital press as well as kit for producing signage and banners, and a t-shirt and mug press for personal gifts.
The business is also a supporter of small charities in the Ivybridge and Plymouth area, including Jeremiah’s Journey, which helps children coping with bereavement.
