Trusted to Deliver: How Solent Design Studio is Using Smart Finishing to Grow Trade Work with Confidence
Commercial printer, Solent Design Studio takes a huge step forward by installing a new Duplo DBM-700 booklet system with square spine unit, unlocking the potential for an increase in production and curated trade work.
For over 40 years, Solent Design Studio has built its reputation by staying dependable, agile and easy to work with. The Hampshire-based business combines design, digital print, litho, packaging, wide format and specialist finishing to support a wide range of customers across multiple industries.
It is these strengths that have created a growing and loyal client base, locally and nationally. The Hampshire based company is guilty of not shouting the loudest about its services, but behind the scenes it is developing a highly capable operation, combining design, digital print, litho, packaging, wide format and specialist finishing to support a broad range of clients.
Despite the breadth of capability inside the business, Solent has traditionally kept a relatively low profile. “We never really wave the flag as we should,” said Russell Pay, Group Project Coordinator at Solent Design. “Like most small to medium-sized businesses, we get busy and then the self-promotion just doesn’t happen. But what we have here is quite unique, and all the processes we have deserve talking about.”
Founded in 1983, the business has grown steadily by investing carefully, staying close to customers and building long-term trust within the local print community.
Why did Solent Design Studio invest in the Duplo DBM-700?
The investment was driven by a need to improve finishing productivity, reduce bottlenecks and create additional capacity for future growth. Solent installed a Duplo DBM-700 Booklet System configured with three towers, square spine and a DKTS-200 trimmer, replacing an older booklet making system that was becoming restrictive in terms of speed and efficiency.
“The 700 replaced the old booklet maker purely down to speed and set-up,” explained Managing Director, Martin Reynolds. “If the DBM-700 had been available when we needed the last machine, we would never have entertained anything else. We would have come straight to Duplo.” The investment also aligned with Solent’s long-term approach to business growth. “The way I see it, that extra monthly investment only needs one more job like this to justify it,” said Martyn. “And then you can do so much more with it. The opportunities it creates are huge.”
What impact has the DBM-700 had on production?
The impact was immediate. “Before, we had over 37 hours on the finishing side for booklet work,” said Russell. “Now, with the new booklet maker, it’s about a quarter of that time. We’ve got capacity now.” That additional capacity has transformed how Solent approaches booklet production. Faster setup times, automation and consistent output have reduced pressure on staff while creating more flexibility across the business.
The DBM-700 has been designed specifically for high-productivity booklet production, with automated setup, rapid changeovers and premium finishing capability. Solent’s system also includes square spine finishing and the DKTS-200 trimmer, allowing the business to produce flatter, more professional-looking stitched booklets with a premium appearance.
Solent can produce beautifully square spine finished booklets at speed.
What type of work is the DBM-700 producing?
The system is helping Solent produce a wide range of high-quality applications including reports, manuals, brochures, presentation pieces and premium square spine booklets. For Solent, the ability to produce more premium applications efficiently is particularly important. “We want to get some really amazing products out of it, sit down with customers and show them what we’re capable of,” said Martyn. “It’ll blow them away.” The square spine capability has become especially valuable, giving stitched booklets the appearance of a perfect-bound book while maintaining the efficiency of automated booklet production.
How important is trade work to Solent Design Studio?
Trade work is already an important part of the business, but Solent now sees an opportunity to grow this area carefully using the additional capacity created by the DBM-700.
That growth, however, will be built around trust and relationships rather than aggressive expansion. “We already do quite a bit of trade work,” said Russell. “There’s trust there. People know us, they respect us, and they know we won’t tread on anyone’s toes. We don’t want 30 or 40 pallets turning up at the back. We just want to keep the machine busy and support people where it makes sense.”
Rather than positioning itself as a traditional trade finisher, Solent wants to become a trusted support partner for other printers needing overflow capacity, premium booklet production or specialist finishing support. “We’ve got a good name locally,” added Martyn. “We’ve never knowingly trodden on anybody’s toes. A lot of this is one-to-one, personal relationships. Printers know we’ll look after them.”
How does Solent work with other printers?
Collaboration has become a key part of Solent’s approach.
The business regularly works alongside other print companies, suppliers and specialist manufacturers to help deliver projects efficiently and professionally. “We have a strong network that we make use of, and who use us,” explained Russell. “It’s a brilliant way of getting all the work done.” That collaborative mindset extends to packaging, display work, specialist applications and now booklet production.
Solent believes many printers are facing the same challenges around labour, finishing capacity and increasingly complex short-run work, creating opportunities for trusted partnerships rather than direct competition.
Solent have a strong partnership with Canon
What role does Canon play in Solent’s workflow?
Alongside Duplo, Solent has developed a strong relationship with Canon to support its wider production environment. “Canon have been very good to us,” said Martyn. “They’ve always supported us and backed us up. Dougal’s local as well, so he’ll pop in, and that does make a difference. There’s a real relationship there – we know we’re supported, and that gives you confidence when you’re investing.”
For Canon, Solent represents a modern print business that fully understands how to maximise technology across print and finishing. “Solent are a great example of a business that understands how to get the most out of their technology,” said Dougal Cardigan, Canon UK’s Account Manager. “It’s not just about installing equipment, it’s about how everything works together – from print through to finishing.” That integrated approach has helped Solent create a highly flexible production environment capable of handling both digital and litho work efficiently.
What does Duplo think about Solent’s approach?
From Duplo’s perspective, Solent represents the kind of measured, forward-thinking print business that continues to thrive despite wider industry pressures.
“Solent have always taken a very measured approach to investment,” said Adam Drummond, Regional Sales Manager. “They don’t invest for the sake of it – they invest where it genuinely improves their business.” “What’s been great to see with the DBM-700 is how quickly they’ve unlocked capacity and started thinking about how to use it, particularly with trade work. They’ve got the reputation, the quality and now the capability to support other printers in a really positive way.”
What makes Solent different?
For Martyn and Russell, the answer is simple: relationships, agility and passion for print. “We’re not a big oil tanker,” said Martyn. “We like being in this sweet spot.” That flexibility allows Solent to react quickly, solve customer problems and produce highly tailored work without the layers of complexity often found in larger operations. “We are very reactive, and very good at reacting to what the customer needs,” said Russell. “Customers ask, ‘Can you do this?’ and we develop the idea from there.”
That mindset, combined with strategic investment in automation and finishing, is helping Solent quietly strengthen its position within the UK print industry. Not by becoming the loudest company in the room, but by continuing to do what it has always done well – producing quality work, building trust and helping customers succeed.
