This is what the original version of the Moll machine did when it first came over from US firm Moll and Sons in 1989. It was sold through the agent Kenmar and was the first machine of its kind available for the finishing market. Demand was growing for inserts to be held in pockets inside brochures, such as those used by banks and travel companies. This was still being done by hand at the end of the ’80s and Moll Brothers sought to change this.
“The initial entry into the market proved slow,” admits Wells. “By the end of the first year, only two units had been sold. However, as with many niche products, once one firm bought it, many others followed and in year two, we sold 14 units to UK finishers. Finishing jobs that may have taken a week could now be done in a matter of days and the firm that got there first was able to make significant savings on time and labour.
Evolving products
After the product took off, Moll set up a direct sales operation in the UK. The basic pocket folder then evolved to take on many different forms, incorporating a mixture of inline gluing, folding and carton making. In 1991, ideas were shared between the UK and the US for different ways in which the basic Moll could be modified further. Some ideas were taken on board, such as a machine specifically for the greetings card market, imaginatively named the Greetings Card Folder Machine. With this unit, you could score and fold, but the gluing option, being worthless for such an application, was not included.
The Marathon was launched shortly afterwards with sturdier side frames, rollers, bearings and two fold plates as standard. This was then adapted and launched as The Regal at Drupa 1995. The Regal had a pre-break facility for producing box cartons and could handle up to 475gsm board. It could also make an integral box, which is, essentially, a smaller box within a larger box – a popular packaging device, particularly within the perfume industry.
One of the most popular uses today for the offshoots of the Moll Pocket Folder is the production of CD wallets. A customised inserter can also be added for larger-scale work, which is handy with newspapers, for example, where 15,000 to 18,000 wallets can be produced per hour. The first Moll Pocket Folder could produce 2,000 pieces an hour, a standard Regal bought today will handle three times that.
Dipping, not diving
With constant flexible movement to adapt to new markets and trends and the tailor-made options provided, the Moll Pocket Folder has progressed a great deal since its initial launch. It has also found a new home outside of its traditional trade finishing base. “Many of the commercial printers are interested in our secondhand machines to keep more control over their work. Trying a secondhand machine first is a way of dipping their toe into in-house finishing, rather than diving in head-first,” says Wells. A brand new basic Regal with a cold glue system and buckle and tipper plate can be bought for around £45,000. A four-year-old refurbished model would cost around £20,000.
Ryegold is a Hertfordshire-based dealer that sells refurbished Moll machines. Colin Johnson, a director of the firm says: “A reconditioned Moll machine is very versatile and cost effective. It is possible to get some entry-level machines from as little as £8,000.” Ryegold and Moll Equipment both refurbish secondhand machines and are able to offer all parts and warranty.
“Not all secondhand dealers will do this,” warns Johnson. “Buyers must make sure they know what they are buying and that parts are not missing and bearings are not worn. We will always give a nine-month parts warranty and full support in installation and training for our customers.” Moll Equipment, based in Baldock, Hertfordshire, will provide service to any customer that buys a machine elsewhere, and has
two full-time engineers on hand as well as a full range of spare parts.
SPECIFICATIONS
Max width
• Original: 630mm
• New: 720mm
Number of plates
• Original: One
• New: Three
Speed
• Original: 2,000 pocket folders per hour
• New: 6,000 A4 pocket folders per hour
Gluing Options
• Non-contact PVA or hot-melt glue units
Price
• New Regal: £45,000
• Used (2002): £20,000-25,000
What to look for
• Glue attachments, controllers and fold plates in working order
• Wearing on rollers and bearings
• Well-informed dealer
