Finishing 4.0 in Action

The principles of Finishing 4.0 were developed not only to help printers and binderies of all sizes achieve optimal efficiency within today’s challenging, highly variable print landscape, but profit doing so. Muller Martini is recognizing a number of companies worldwide who have successfully implemented a Finishing 4.0 workflow.

I’m pleased to say that one of my clients, Gauvin Press Ltd., is a recipient of the Finishing 4.0 Award. Gauvin needed a workflow solution that allowed them to process ultra-short, variable print runs—and meet strict delivery deadlines—while also achieving production efficiencies that enabled them to compete within the short- to medium-run and print on demand (POD) marketplaces.

In 2017, Gauvin installed Muller Martini’s Vareo perfect binder and InfiniTrim three-knife trimmer whereby shorter runs, including runs of one copy, are produced with the highest quality standards with minimal operator intervention. The system accommodates true book to book variability and delivers full automation of the entire production chain, significantly reducing job makereadies.

Gauvin’s results are impressive:

  • Turnaround time for short-run book production reduced from two weeks to 2-5 days.
  • Launched print-on-demand service in 2018.
  • Another Vareo installation planned within the next 24-36 months.
  • Customer base expanded to include the United States and Europe.

Finishing 4.0 exemplifies an efficient supply chain whereby production costs can be kept low despite increased product variability and personalization. Gauvin Press Ltd’s workflow represents Finishing 4.0 in action.

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