ONE of the country’s leading mailing firms has invested more than £6 million in Canon technology in a major overhaul of its digital production facilities.
Seaham-based MetroMail has replaced its existing presses with a range of continuous feed, cut-sheet and multi-function devices from Canon as it seeks to strengthen its position in the direct mail and transactional print markets.
As part of the transformation, MetroMail has become the first European installation site for the Océ ColorStream 3900Zs twin line continuous feed printer, part of the new CS3000Z range.
The machine, which is integrated with a Hunkeler roll-to-cut sheet stacker and dynamic perforator, possesses a 33 per cent smaller footprint than the ColorStream 3900, but delivers the same high quality and productivity, meaning floor space can be maximised without compromising on business-critical efficiencies.
MetroMail Managing Director Alan Purvis said: “As a business we are not afraid to take on new challenges. I firmly believe that if you do things the way you always have, you will only ever achieve mediocre results. We aspire to far more than that, and we believe our partnership with Canon is another step forward in our goal of becoming the most efficient and profitable business in our industry.”
The multi million pound investment by MetroMail has also seen the company invest in a range of machines to ensure it is ideally placed to capitalise on market demand for digital colour print and, importantly, more targeted and valuable print.
Alan Purvis added: “Anyone can buy technology. But what makes the technology successful is the people behind it, from the supplier and installation teams to the everyday operators and support engineers. If you don’t have the right mix of people, the desired outcome is that much harder to reach.
“When we set out to transform our processes and gear up for further growth we didn’t simply draw up a shopping list of technologies to take to the market. We had a vision of where we wanted to take the business and left it to suppliers to demonstrate how we could achieve it with their arsenal of equipment.
“Canon was streets ahead in its understanding of our business and has supported us unfalteringly. We were able to continue with ‘business as usual’ during the installation phase and firmly believe that everyone we have been dealing with at Canon not only shares the same vision for where MetroMail is heading as a business, but also shares the excitement.”
Craig Nethercott, Commercial Print Group Director, Canon UK & Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled that MetroMail has chosen to grow its business with Canon. Clearly colour digital print is a powerful tool for MetroMail, and by combining its inherent expertise with high-speed colour capability, there is an opportunity to enter new application areas and markets where traditionally it has not been able to compete.
“MetroMail’s message of growth is clear and it is a privilege to be part of that journey.”
MetroMail was founded more than 25 years ago and in 2010 moved from its base in Peterlee to a 140,000 sq ft facility at Foxcover Enterprise Park, marking a significant expansion for the company and millions of pounds of investment in the latest industry technology. All delivering more jobs in the region and apprenticeships.
It provides services including mailing, laser printing, poly wrapping and data management to clients across a diverse range of sectors, particularly mail order and financial services. MetroMail handles up to one million pieces of mail every day.
