Printforms Group, the Wakefield-based print business that combines both Printforms Wakefield Ltd and broCARD, the patented pocket communication tool, has announced the purchase and installation of a second Ryobi 524HE – the first was installed back in May 2007.

Commenting on the purchase, Shaun Stanley, Director of Printforms Group, said: “Whilst 2009 has been a challenging year, we are convinced that our business needs to be in the best possible shape for when the upturn begins. We have put in a significant amount of work to bring in new customers, and it is vital that we have sufficient four-colour printing capacity to satisfy their needs, and the needs of our existing customers, both now and in the foreseeable future. Our investments have always been thoroughly considered and sensible. We believe that now is a good time to invest.”

With a keen eye on the local West Yorkshire economy, Mr Stanley adds: “The new press has allowed us to recruit extra personnel in the studio, production, and sales department.” The business currently employs 13 personnel and has a turnover of £1.2 million.

The B3-format, four-colour press purchase joins an existing Ryobi 524HE machine, and a Ryobi 522 and 520. The landscape format 524HE will provide significant additional capacity for the print room, with a throughput speed of up to 11,000 sheets per hour, and semi-automatic plate changing for fast make-ready. Polyester plates for the B3 products are produced by another Apex product, the DPX System.

“This new machine represents all additional capacity for us – we have not taken any presses out of our business,” adds Shaun Stanley. The new press incorporates some additional features when compared to the 2007 machine such as Ryobi-matic D dampening and oscillating bridge rollers; and the press is also equipped with auto ink and blanket wash.

The fourteen-year-old Printforms Group operates with two distinctive customer bases. Firstly, the general commercial print activity of Printforms, dealing both with end-users and with the trade; and, secondly, the broCARD business, which is primarily via agencies. The Printforms business handles a wide variety of commercial print from general stationery to high-end corporate brochures and specialist printed products. The company provides an extensive range of services for its customers, including graphic design, storage of and distribution of printed work, as well as marketing and campaign advice.

One development that has been a great help in 2009 in particular is the company’s on-line ordering system, “PF Live”. Originally developed for a major client, allowing them to select from stock items, the system is now available to all Printforms customers. “PF Live is ideal for clients who use us to produce multiple products, or for clients who themselves have multiple sites or offices. The facility can be personalised for customers, and we are also able to add special features to cater for specific requirements,” said Mr Stanley.

The company’s specialist product, broCARD, also continues to go from strength to strength. The product offers a unique and revolutionary design in the form of a pocket sized product that effectively incorporates both a brochure and a business card. broCARD is the only remaining company to possess a full UK patent to produce this type of product.