PCS launches new website as part of rebrand

Plastic Card Services (PCS) has launched a new website as part of a brand overhaul and is looking at a possible leap into digital to help add more than £2m to its turnover.

The 52-staff company in Macclesfield, Cheshire, which has a turnover of £5.8m, has made plastic cards and offered personalisation, data processing, mailing and fulfilment since its formation 23 years ago.

Its clients range from major retailers and FTSE 100 companies to public sector organisations, for whom it produces more than 50 million cards each year.

The site, www.plastic-card-services.co.uk, has a new look and logo and is more user-friendly, enabling customers to access information on products and services and sign up for a newsletter.

PCS sales director Adam Unsworth said: “The site was archaic and not optimised for phones or tablets. It was in desperate need of an update and refreshing to reflect what we do.

“We print, finish and personalise beautiful material on a daily basis for customers who put a lot of effort into their design. We felt the need to be seen to be equally creative in our service offering.”

The rebranding cost £75,000 and involved photography from one of Manchester's most celebrated photographers, Pip Rustage, new stationery video work and the creation of the website and logo.

Unsworth said PCS is also toying with buying its first digital press, possibly an HP Indigo.

“It's early days and we haven't set a time scale for this. It would need a complete new plant, so it's about trying to get the right fit for our needs and capabilities.”

PCS, which runs litho kit including a KBA Genius and an Oasis line with collator, laminator and two punches, recently spent £25,000 adding UV technology to a Spacia screen press.

“The UV bridge went in last week and adds an extra string to our bow in terms of finishes: we are trialling spot glosses, tactile and metallic finishes,” said Unsworth.

Last year the company announced around £600,000 in recent contracts, signing up with utility companies Npower and Utilita as well as supermarket chain Booths.

PCS also produces around 30 million credit cards combined with key fobs for Holland & Barrett. And two years ago the firm tied up a deal with Cards 4U to manufacture an 18+ proof-of-age card.

Unsworth said: “I hope the website and possible purchase of a digital press would help us to continue to progress in terms of turnover.

“Last year we saw a 29% increase, which is phenomenal in this day and age. We've had steady growth for the last five years but that kind of leap in one year was just excellent.

“Our plans this year are to maintain that level of turnover and to reach £8m in the next three years. The website and rebranding are paramount, as they are the landing stage and shop window of our business.”