14 July 2016

Hook Norton-based KMS invests in a variety of ways

Following the integration of LDI into KMS in October 2015, the Hook Norton-based 22 year old commercial printer has further announced another big purchase with a new Heidelberg Versafire CV.

In addition to the extra revenue which the LDI merger has brought, the company also plans to more than double digital sales to a third of its revenue.

KMS managing director Mark Willis said: "Our previous digital piece of kit that had come to the end of an agreement and whilst it had served us very well it is a bottleneck for us in terms of throughput, speed and what it could produce. That was a driving reason for the replacement, we're really looking for more throughput." He also added, "the new press doesn't slow down for duplexing, except for the heaviest stocks and will help KMS with brochure work, making brochures more cost-effective on digital over litho". Mark was also pleased with the environmental credentials of the new machine and the attitude to the environment with the Heidelberg as they take back all the toners and excess cartridges and bottles.

Willis added: "I want to be at the point where I'm confident enough to say it's a 'print job', the customer doesn't need to know whether it's litho or digital."

Further good news is that KMS have also taken on a Graphic Design graduate Ali Reed enabling KMS to offer a dedicated in-house graphic design service to our clients for the first time. "Ali has settled in very quickly and already turned several concepts in to reality against very tight deadlines"

KMS currently turns over £1.1m but is aiming for £1.5m in the next three years and is also looking at 12647 Colour Management, talking with the BPIF about next steps in this area.