Jourdans, the Exeter-based packaging specialist, has opened its first design studio in Clerkenwell, London. The company specialises in limited edition rigid packaging for CDs.
"We have taken this step in response to a significant increase in the number of customers that we have based in central London," said marketing director David Gargrave.
The studio, located within the premises of packaging specialist Artomatic Design, has been equipped with an Misomex MP3000 plotting table and Kasemake 2000 CAD software running on a PC. Pack designs are sent by e-mail from the companys head office in Exeter.
Although the studio currently only handles pack construction it is planned to add full graphics-handling facilities soon. In the meantime, all artwork is being processed by Artomatic.
Artomatics managing director Tim Milne said: "Many of the innovative packaging designs that we come up with are perfect for the rigid box format. Having a design and sampling facility on site for us is a real plus." The company has work closely with Jourdans for a number of years.
"One area which will especially benefit are design agencies who need to talk an idea through and get it mocked up as quickly as possible," said Gargrave. "Now they can brief a designer and know that a mock up will be under construction almost the minute they leave the building."
Recent projects undertaken by Jourdans include a special pack for a release by the band Massive Attack finished with a thermochromic substrate and a limited edition Bob Marley CD set.