Podds Print has enhanced its flexible and responsive service delivery following investment in an Intelligent Finishing Systems supplied Horizon BQ-270V single clamp perfect binder.

The family owned company is celebrating 70 years in business this year. All day to day operations are controlled by Directors Michael, Richard and Matthew, the third generation of the family to do so. The Croydon based general commercial operation supports local businesses and blue chip operations.

Podds Print has invested in a wide range of equipment to enable it to provide a complete inhouse service, design and artwork, litho and digital printing, wide format signage services, hot foiling, die cutting, laminating and twin wire stitching.

Managing Director David Podd says: “The addition of perfect binding completes our binding services. It also now means we are able to confidently take on work for high quality perfect bound books. We can be more responsive and we know the quality is there.”

Podds Print’s 500cph Horizon BQ-270V single-clamp perfect binder offers high-quality perfect binding and on-demand production of variable thickness books.

It includes an automated, sensor-activated digital caliper system which consistently measures book block thickness and automatically transfers this data to the binder for quick, automated set-up for books of different thicknesses. It features a large 10.4″ intelligent color touchscreen, job programming, and a compact configuration.

Podd added: “We originally looked at the smaller Horizon BQ160 but soon realised the Horizon BQ270 was more suited to the kind of work we would be managing inhouse. We did also look at other systems on the market but liked the ease of set up on the BQ270 and we were confident that it could do what we wanted it to do. It went in very well and we are very happy with how it is running.”

He concludes: “It was something we needed and it will help us grow that side of the business.”