Ace Binding expects 18 month return on investment for UK first

Print Solutions

Ace Binding estimates the UK’s first Renz Inline 500 Compact automatic punching and binding machine will pay for itself within 18 months.

The Birmingham operation also says the system will double its capacity for books and A3 calendars.

Director Rob Hart said, ‘We were punching separately and wanted a system that would complete A3 calendars in one streamlined process. The Renz Inline 500 Compact makes us 100% more productive.

‘Last year and the year before we were turning work away. This year in our busy season, that starts in August, we can say yes to the work. We are confident that we can efficiently complete it and to the highest quality.’

The flexible Renz Inline 500 Compact delivers significantly increased productivity compared to semi-automatic machines. It includes a touch screen for easy format changes and QSA (Quick Size Adjustment) technology to reduce set up times. It is upgradable with various modules to adapt to customer demands.

Rob placed the order after he saw the system in action at Hunkeler Innovationdays, Lucerne, in February: ‘We have a few Renz systems that are a number of years old and they are very reliable. They are also quick and easy to set up and very simple to use. When we saw it in action we knew it would be the same.

It will help Ace win new calendar work which Rob hopes will lead to other new orders. He stated, ‘Once we have added new customers we can then talk to them about other services we offer such as PUR binding. We expect to open up a lot more business that way.’

It will also make workflow much smoother: ‘We can get work in and out faster and that means we can work long days. Then if we need to we can add a shift. Overtime has been reduced as well. It has helped us improve our flexibility,’ he said.

Rob added, ‘It is a nice system and very consistent in the high quality it produces. It was up and running really quickly and we have had no problems with it.’

Pictured: Matt Hart, Rob Hart, Jason Fear, owners of Ace Print Finishing by Lake Lucerne, after ordering the Renz machine.