En Route has brought all its lamination in-house following its decision to replace its Foliant Gemini 400A with a Foliant Mercury 530 SF professional high speed laminating system from Intelligent Finishing Systems.

The South Godstone, Surrey, operation has increased turnover by 50% to £1.2m in the past few years as a result of refocusing the company’s business towards marketing and support services. It runs a Heidelberg SpeedMaster 52 with Anicolor inking technology and a Ricoh Pro C5100 digital press.

Managing Director Vince Hogg explains: “The main reason for the investment was the ability to handle a bigger sheet size and substrates up to 500gsm to match the output of the press. Since we installed the Gemini we have been offering lamination more and more for a whole array of print jobs. One growth niche is 500gsm laminated business cards.”

The move also eliminates the need to outsource: “We can now be sure that we can offer same day delivery confidently and reliably. It also has reduced outsourcing costs and has taken out any production stress. That reflects our ethos across the business where any pain points are addressed to make sure workflow is as smooth as possible.

“Another main attraction was the labour saving as we wanted it to be a one operator machine. It is also very flexible which means we can add value to lots of jobs.”

He added: “We looked at Komfi and it was comparable but the Foliant just had the edge. We also like working with IFS and that helped swing the deal.”

The Mercury 530 SF (B2+) is a heavy-duty industrial laminating system, ideal for both digitally and litho printed B2+ sheets. Heidelberg suction feeder and a high speed bump separator are standard. Options include: double sided lamination; embossed laminating roller, pallet stacker, etc.

Hogg concludes: “It will deliver productivity gains that will make us more profitable.”