News Archive

August 2008

Drupa 2008

At the end of May we attended this huge printing technology exhibition in Dusseldorf. As ever we made really good use of our time there – in fact we held 28 meetings in three days and reviewed 68 specific pieces of technology, software or equipment in that time.

Since returning from the exhibition we have invested in a number of areas:

PUR binding and automatic trimming

The installation of our new Horizon BQ 470 4-clamp adhesive binder brought a really effective PUR capability in house for the first time. This machine will be used exclusively with PUR adhesive to produce exceptionally strong and flexible perfect bound books. The fully automated make ready on this machine makes it ideal to cope with the short run books and journals that we print on our range of digital presses. PUR brings the greatest benefit to those books printed on coated stock – an area in which we are seeing really strong growth.

Alongside the BQ 470 we have also installed a new Horizon HT-30 fully automatic trimmer. This machine will allow cost effective trimming of books very shortly after binding. It is ideally suited to the short run digital market where quick make ready and finishing are critical.

Hohner wire stitching

In our bindery we have also installed a new Hohner exact twin-head wire stitching system. This machine is used to help in the production of short run flat stitch and saddle stitched products and will work alongside the existing Watkiss machines.

XMPie

July saw our first installation of the market leading personalisation software XMPie. This solution will allow rapid processing of relevant and highly personalised text and images providing powerful marketing and communication opportunities for our clients. This will work alongside the existing installations of Yours Truly and DirectSmile and demonstrates the serious commitment we have to this important and fast moving technology.

Envelope insertion

The new Pitney Bowes DI1521 folding and insertion system is being installed to meet the growing demand for transactional printing and mailing at Hobbs. This system allows high speed folding and insertion of single or multiple page documents into envelopes. These are typically personalised letters and mailings as well as invoices, renewal notices and reminders, etc. We now have three machines working in this area and can insert over 8000 documents per hour into envelopes. This application has grown alongside the film and carton wrapping used for the mailing of most other publications.

Our new Horizon BQ 470 Binder in opreation

The Horizon BQ 470 next to the Horizon HT-30

August 2008

Steve Smith MBE

We are all really proud of Steve Smith who works in our pressroom. Steve has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to the Countess Mountbatten Hospice near Southampton. Steve has quietly given a lot of his own time over many years to this worthy cause and in so doing helped many individuals and families at a time of great trauma and need. This recognition is richly deserved.

Steve is seen here being congratulated by his brother Mike. Steve and Mike have both worked in the business for 24 and 33 years respectively and continue a family tradition that also saw their father Ernie work in the Bindery for 22 years. Ernie was Bindery Foreman for many years before he retired to live on the edge of the New Forest.

Mike Smith (left) and Steve Smith (right)

June 2008

New Oce print engines replace Xerox digital at Hobbs

We have recently installed new Oce 6250 and Oce 2110 digital print engines as replacements for our Xerox DocuTech 6135s.

The 6250 is a high speed (250 A4 ppm) high quality print engine that is ideally suited to short run book and journal work. This engine prints both sides of each sheet simultaneously which as well as being faster also produces much more consistent and accurate front to back registration than the previous digital presses. The image quality is superb.

The 2110 provides efficient and effective back up to the 6250 as well as being an excellent machine for producing manuals, documents and transactional materials: Highly personalised business communications, invoices, statements and subscription reminders are a growing part of our business.

The change to Oce equipment marks the end of a long period of continuous partnership with Xerox; we installed our first Xerox DocuTech way back in 1991 as one of the very early adopters of digital print technologies. However, we need to operate cutting edge equipment that consistently produces predictable volumes at the highest standards for our customers. We are delighted with the performance of the new Oce engines.

Digital production is now all in one area; covers and colour books are printed on the HP Indigo 5000 with monochrome text being printed on either the new Oce engines or the Nipson VaryPress VP400 digital web press. Binding takes place in the same room using Horizon adhesive binding, Watkiss fold, stitch and trim or Hang computerised drilling systems.

Our new Oce 6250 in operation.

February 2008

FSC becomes the standard for Hobbs stock papers

Corporate & Social Responsibility is now a fundamental and growing part of every company’s business strategy. Producing your work using materials guaranteed to come from renewable and sustainable forestry is an excellent way to reduce the impact of your publications on the environment. The appearance of the FSC logo on your work tells your clients and the public in general that you are serious about protecting the environment.

Our part in this process began in April 2006 when we gained FSC certification from The Soil Association. Hobbs the Printers now has a range of Matt and Gloss coated stocks that carry the FSC chain of custody certification. If your publications are produced on coated stocks, you could benefit from this development now.

There is no price change between current and Hobbs FSC certified stocks and no change in appearance or quality. There really is no reason to delay making this change.

In the next few weeks we will also bring a range of uncoated FSC certified stocks into our own stock range. These papers will meet the same price, quality and appearance criteria as the coated stocks.

If you would like any further information about the FSC standard, our range of FSC certified stocks, or would like to see samples, then please call your usual contact or click on the FSC logo.

FSC Website: http://www.fsc-uk.org

To contact us about FSC please click on the above image

February 2008

New contract signed with Wolters Kluwer UK

Wednesday 6th February marked the beginning of a new era for the partnership between Wolters Kluwer UK and Hobbs the Printers. On this day we signed a three-year contract to provide a wide range of services that include printing and fulfilment of loose leaf, magazine and newsletter subscriber products, plus on-demand production, fulfilment and warehousing.

We have been working for Wolters Kluwer, who trade in the UK under the Croner and CCH brands, since 1986. However, this is the first time that a formal contract has been put in place. This is a clear sign of the commitment that both companies have to a continuing long-term relationship that brings significant benefits to each organisation.

The stability that this contract brings allows us to invest in and develop innovative solutions for Wolters Kluwer in the UK. The bottom line success for Wolters Kluwer is the focal point of everything that happens in this partnership, and we recognise that good news for WK is good news for Hobbs too.

Mike Worthington, Chief Financial Officer at WKUK, signs the new contract with David Hobbs.

February 2008

Have you seen us?

Keep an eye out for our vehicles sporting their eye-catching new livery. The attractive new black and silver designs are bigger and bolder than they have been in the past.

Our vans are often seen in and around the centre of London as well as Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and, of course, closer to home in Hampshire and Surrey.

January 2008

M.D. of Sweet & Maxwell compliments Hobbs the Printers on its quality of service

The Managing Director of Sweet & Maxwell, Mr Peter Lake, kindly made Hobbs the Printers the subject of his “Supplier Focus” article in his December Monthly Newsletter that is electronically distributed to all Sweet & Maxwell staff.

We are very grateful to Peter for his complimentary article which included the following quotation from Mr Perry Coverley, Sweet & Maxwell’s Head of Production:

“I established the account with Hobbs in 1996 and since then our relationship has gone from strength to strength culminating this year with them winning the tender to print all of Sweet & Maxwell’s looseleaf work.”

Please click on the image to the right to read the full article.

Please click on image above to see full article

Great year end feedback from Caroline Bailey, Head of Production at LexisNexisUK, to David Hobbs on 21 December 2007:

David

I would like to say a massive thank you to you and all the team at Hobbs for your monumental efforts to get everything out, including several jobs that we gave to you at the last minute.

As always you worked extremely hard and it is fantastic that [year end] mailing is now complete.

Caroline

January 2008

IT resource grows again

The investment in our IT capability has continued during December with Tim McGuckian joining this rapidly expanding team. Tim previously trained as a Typesetter with us before leaving to go travelling and subsequently running his own IT based business. Tim is the third recruit into the team of five in the last 6 months demonstrating how seriously we take our investment in software solutions and development.

From left to right: Edwin Phillips, Tim McGuckian and Steve Reed

January 2008

Another solution is brought in house

Our new Morgana 33 digital creasing system has been installed to allow us to crease and fold covers with flaps and output from our digital print systems. This work was previously outsourced which inevitably limited our ability to respond to customer requirements as swiftly and flexibly as we would have liked. Bringing this work in house is absolutely in line with our policy of carrying out all manufacturing and distribution from this one site.

The Morgana 33 is a rapid set up system which produces accurate and clean creases with minimal make ready and quick change over.

Morgana in production

November 2007

Komori VIP Visit

On Tuesday 20^th of November, we were visited by two senior members of the Komori Corporation. Mr Satoshi Mochida, Senior Managing Director & COO was accompanied by Mr Yutaka Iwata who is President of Komori International (Europe). 

As well as reviewing the installation of our new LS529C 5 colour press, they were very interested to hear of the success of the press in bringing new work to Hobbs. The ability of the press to print high quality images on a reduced sheet size at high speed with very short make ready times has enabled us to offer a much improved service to existing and new clients alike.

Hobbs is a full service provider with the ability to design, typeset, print, finish and mail to tight deadlines from one site, providing an easy and cost effective solution to those clients who have been used to managing various individual suppliers for printing and mailing their work.

Mr Iwata (left) is seen with David Hobbs (MD), Mr Mochida and Graham Bromley in front of the new Komori press.

November 2007

Information Technology (IT) Projects to deliver benefits

Our in-house IT Team is working on a number of projects that will improve our services and offerings to customers.

One project involves the implementation of an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system that will allow us to store and manage all the electronic documentation used in the production process in a single location. This provides a number of benefits to our customers including improved quality assurance on print jobs and faster reprint times.

Other projects that will improve workflow within our production environment include solutions to automate more of our manual processes to advance both the consistency and speed of the work produced. This will also allow our staff to proactively focus more on our customers' work to develop better solutions with them

Future projects being planned will build upon the success of the above, taking us to a smooth online solution, through which customers will be able to view their work and stock, manage their data, order from backlists and place new work.

Our Information Technology Team from left to right Steven Renyard, Duane Bryars, Steve Reed and Edwin Phillips

September 2007

Hobbs achieves Environment and Health & Safety Accreditation

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded accreditation in both the ISO 14001 Environmental Management and ISO 18001 Health & Safety Management standards to join the FSC accreditation that we gained over a year earlier. We retain the ISO 9001 quality standard which we have held as BS5750/ISO 9001 since 1992 and the Investor in People accreditation, which was once again achieved in February 2007.

The Environmental Management standard was gained prior to the installation of the new alcohol free Komori press. The assessment mentioned the fact that the commitment to the environment was endemic throughout the company.

In each case the commitment to a planned process of improvement and specific performance targets are the basis for the accreditation. This recognises that working with Hobbs means working with an organisation with a proven commitment to reducing its environmental impact in a safe and predictable process.

Our ability to print and distribute globally through our IPN partners provides an excellent opportunity for you to reduce your carbon footprint. Talk to us to find out more or visit our IPN web page.
 

September 2007

Komori goes live at Hobbs

Our new Komori LS529C 5-colour press with in line coating and drying was officially launched into production by Tara Nikovskis, Publications Manager at The Royal College of Surgeons of England on Wednesday 29th August.

This high speed, highly automated press is running alcohol free from the outset. As well as reducing the environmental impact, absolutely in line with our declared aims under our ISO 14001 accreditation, the quality of the printed image is razor sharp. The closed loop quality control system on the press not only reduces make ready time and material to a level much less than half of our previous Heidelberg SM74, it also ensures that colour is consistent throughout each and every run by scanning and monitoring colour on every sheet taken from the machine. The system is far more sensitive than the human eye, so it identifies and corrects any variation in colour before it can even be detected by the operator.

Our production team has undergone detailed and structured training, not only at the Leeds headquarters of Komori UK, but also on site here during and after installation. Having been fully involved in the decision to buy this press from Komori, the operators are also stakeholders in the success of the press.

The very proactive and innovative support from Komori UK was a major factor in the decision to buy from Komori on this occasion.

The performance of this press will enable us to produce colour work faster, to higher standards, with a lower environmental impact than ever before. If you would like to know more about what we can deliver for you through this production facility, please do not hesitate to contact Terry Ozanne or Graham Bromley.
 

David Hobbs and Tara Nikovskis officially start the press

Tara Nikovskis and the Hobbs Directors

Hobbs Directors David Hobbs and Graham Bromley with Rob Thorn and Phil Holland from Komori UK

September 2007

25 not out

David Hobbs celebrated 25 years with the business on 1st September 2007. David was presented with a brass plaque to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his joining the family business by Perry Coverley, Head of Production at Sweet & Maxwell, during a visit to Hobbs factory on 31st August.

David trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant before joining his father and uncle at the family business in 1982. David heads up a dedicated and hugely experienced team at Hobbs including 31 members of staff who have more than 25 years of service, and another 73 having more than 10 years service.
 

Perry Coverley presenting brass plaque to David Hobbs

July 2007

New Komori LS529C

We will begin installation of our new Komori LS529C 5 colour press with in line coating and IR drying at the end of July 2007. This fully automatic, high speed press is capable of being made ready in a few minutes and running at speeds of up to 15,000 sheets per hour. This machine even makes ready at 12,000 sheets per hour!

One of the key benefits of this press to our clients comes from the fully automated print density Control-Spectrodensitomer. The press units are pre-set using data from our plate setting systems. Sheets are scanned on the machine throughout the run so that the PDC-SII closed loop controls on the press maintain consistent colour throughout each and every run.

This press represents a big change at Hobbs as this will be the first Komori installation here and the first time we have purchased anything other then Heidelberg for a very long time. However, the Directors are convinced that this press is ahead of the market as the automated controls, custom configuration and high production speed make this a very productive machine.

Komori UK are absolutely delighted to have won this order at a time when most print companies are cutting back rather than investing in the future.

Komori LS529C 5 colour press

July 2007

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

The threat to any business from a one off major disaster such as that at Buncefield in Hertfordshire last year is an area that is taken very seriously at Hobbs.

In addition to having a comprehensive recovery plan that can be brought into action immediately, the directors at Hobbs have now put in place reciprocal arrangements with another independent UK printing company.  Ashford Colour Press in Fareham, Hants has agreed to work with us to ensure continuity of supply in the event of such a disaster. This would, where appropriate, include our staff working with staff at Ashford Colour Press to ensure continuity of understanding and knowledge.

July 2007

IT Resources Boosted

Two new recruits were added to the IT team at Hobbs at the beginning of July.

Edwin Phillips has wide experience in project management, systems integration and web based solutions implementation. Edwin is already working on a number of projects including updating the website, implementing our new content management system and improving automated processes using JDF technology. Edwin joins Steve Reed in a team that reports directly to Graham Bromley. 

Duane Bryars is undertaking a 12 month industrial placement with us as part his Media Technology course at Portsmouth University. Duane is working with Steven Renyard in the pre-press department on the automation of our file receipt and pre-press workflow. 

We are delighted to have these people and the resources and knowledge they bring on board. This is a significant investment at a time when most of our competitors are cutting back. Both Duane and Edwin have made good progress in a very short time which is only possible if you have resources beyond that needed to meet daily production targets.

June 2007

On demand and short run CD and DVD duplication now a reality at Hobbs

The installation of the Rimage CD and DVD duplication system at Hobbs provides the opportunity for clients to produce high quality CDs or DVDs at the same time that their printed products are being produced. 

Rimage systems are routinely used for producing photo CDs, so the quality is excellent. In addition the full colour thermal transfer printing which is carried out in line allows for highly personalised images and text to be printed.

This fully automatic system can produce over 30 CDs per hour and is indicative of the ever widening range of services provided under one roof at Hobbs.

Rimage CD & DVD duplication System

September 2006

FSC Accreditation (ISO 14000 and 18000)

The FSC is an international network set up with a view of certifying wood products as coming from woodlands managed in a responsible way. The FSC sets international standards and accredits third party organisations, who in turn certify forest managers and forest product producers.

As well as being able to advise clients on available accredited FSC paper, Hobbs also has the accredited procedures in place to ensure that FSC paper is stored and controlled throughout the print manufacturing process in an appropriate manner.

Hobbs is also currently documenting its Environmental and Health & Safety Procedures so as to enable the company to be accredited for ISO 14000 and ISO 18000 this year. The architect of our factory always had the importance of looking after the environment in mind when our factory was designed over ten years ago. For example chemicals from processors were always collected in tanks, so as to ensure no harmful chemicals could enter the water system, and a centralised compressor system was installed to ensure the most efficient use of energy when running our printing and binding equipment.

Likewise the importance of good Health & Safety procedures has always had the highest priority at directors' meetings and this duty of care has been supported by an excellent Health & Safety committee that has representatives from every department. The company's dedication to reduce the risk of accidents is illustrated by the regular risk assessments that are performed at the factory by an external H & S specialist consultant. As with the FSC accreditation, the ISO 14000 and 18000 standards will provide further assurance to our clients that Hobbs the Printers performs its duties in a professional and responsible manner.

FSC Certificate (ISO 14000 and 18000)

May 2006

HP Indigo 5000 6-Colour Printing System

The Indigo produces images that retain the litho look and feel in a digital format.

The system can be used for short run and on demand covers as well as full colour magazines, book and promotional leaflets and brochures.

The ability to personalise marketing materials is a particular strength of this system.

The Indigo 5000 6-Colour Printing System

April 2006

Unique double award to two generations of Hobbs

Extracts from a recent Rotary Club of Southampton newsletter:

Two well deserved Paul Harris Awards. Peter Hobbs (retired chairman of Hobbs the Printers) and a club member since 1970, and his son David (md) were completely unawares that at a lunchtime meeting they were to be recipients of Rotary’s most prestigious award. Both Peter and David are keen supporters of local charities, many of which have benefited from their generous donation of printed material.

A Paul Harris Fellowship is awarded to people who are considered to have made significant contributions to either their Rotary Club or to the community. In presenting the award to father and son, Club President Viv Gage paid tribute to their quiet and un-sung support for Rotary and other charities.

David continues in the family succession of managing the firm that his great, great grandfather established in 1884.
 

November 2005

Nipson VaryPress 400 Digital Web Press

The Nipson VaryPress installation at Hobbs is a unique configuration specifically designed to allow it to be used for the manufacture of monochrome books, manuals and journals on lightweight stock. The system is equally capable of printing on standard weight stocks.

The Nipson VaryPress 400 Digital Web Press

The VaryPress 400 is a high-speed digital web that can print at speeds of up to 125 metres per minute. This can generate over 1600 A4 pages per minute or 3200 A5 pages.

The specific advantages that the Nipson can deliver at Hobbs include a 467mm printable image width on a maximum 520mm web width. This allows very efficient production of many book, journal and technical manual formats that no other digital webs can match.

The Nipson uses flash fusion to fix the toner to the substrate, thereby avoiding the excessive heat applied by laser printing systems. The primary advantage of this is that the paper is not heated to the same high temperatures required by these systems, which means that paper curl is minimized because moisture is not driven from the paper. Unlike most other digital web solutions, our Nipson runs standard litho stock allowing digital and conventional books to be produced on exactly the same paper.

The line is configured to deliver folded gathered book blocks. This massively reduces the number of individual operations in the manufacturing process and we are already delivering substantially faster turnaround times for our customers. It also ensures that the system can be used to manufacture sewn, burst bound, perfect bound, saddle-stitched and loose-leaf products as required.

If you would like to know more about the Nipson technology or its application at Hobbs either visit the Nipson website through the link on this site or contact Terry Ozanne or Graham Bromley on 023 8066 4800.

Close up view of VP400 in action

The Digital Web Paper input

Full length view of the Digital Web