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Describe your business
A large part of our business is short-run colour printing, including variable data. We are also capitalising on the growing web-to-print and cross-media markets. We have set up a photobook operation to give our customers added value in a new market.

What does the Fastbind equipment do?
It’s a range of photobook makers to fit different applications. The top of the range Casematic produces hardback printed and handcrafted books. The Elite XT is a table top perfect binder. The BooXter Duo uses an innovative stapling system, hidden by a foam cushion along the stapled edge of the sheet. As well as binding all types of stock very securely; it is ideal for thinner books up to 8mm spine thickness. The semi-automated Fotomount F46e is popular for wedding albums with its lay-flat edge-to-edge style. It builds the book block by inserting a self-adhesive card mount sheet between each folded spread. The Fastbind Mounting lift device controls the accuracy of the book block during its assembly.

Why did you make the purchase?
It complements our operation. Quite a few printers are now offering photobooks as they realise the value-added opportunities. I wanted to differentiate us from the rest by focusing on the quality end of the market with handcrafted books, supported by a dedicated website and the software to enable companies to offer our photobook service as their brand. We invested in a NexPress SE3000 followed by the Fastbind equipment.

Why did you choose this particular equipment?
It gives us the flexibility to produce photobooks for different applications at different price points. I took my bookbinder to the Ashgate showroom for a demonstration. When I knew he was impressed, I placed the order.

What features do you particularly like?
It enables us to produce photobooks of varying sizes very easily and simply.

How fast is it?
We can produce more than 1,000 photobooks a week.

What is the quality like?
The quality of the finish was the main reason we bought the Fastbind equipment.  

How easy is it to use?
Very easy and we have the added benefit of a time-served finisher with a lot of bookbinding knowledge

How reliable is it?
Very reliable.

How much time has it saved?
This is a new venture for us, so it would be difficult to say.

Has it won you any new work?
We are already finding new markets that we had not previously considered. One of our clients in the motor industry wanted 25 copies for a presentation. They initially talked about soft, wire-bound covers, but we recommended hardback printed and laminated covers. We printed it on the NexPress, perfect bound it on the Elite binder and finished it with hardback covers using the Fastbind Casematic. The client was thrilled with the professional finish.

Would you say it offers value for money?
Definitely. For price and performance there are no competitors. It’s a big jump to fully automated equipment. We’ve been conservative in our return on investment in the first year, but we believe that photobooks will become a significant part of the company.

What about the pre- and after-sales service?
Ashgate made it easy for us because it was conscientious and accommodating. We were pleased with the on-site training.

Who do you think the equipment is right for?
It is suitable for companies like ourselves who are making a serious investment in photobooks or for printers who want to buy one of the machines to test the market.

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Conclusion
User’s verdict    
Speed 4/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 4/5

Supplier’s response     
John Price managing director of Ashgate Automation says: "Words & Graphics is a good example of a company that has wholeheartedly embraced the fast-growing market for photobooks. It has demonstrated the benefit of investing in a range of Fastbind equipment to meet a variety of applications in size, style and price points."
Price
Approx £11,500 for the Fastbind package
Contact
Ashgate Automation 01865 891904