Minuteman Press Bath has recently undergone a significant business transformation following their relocation to state-of-the-art premises in central Bath last year. This move has paved the way for remarkable advancements, including the acquisition of a cutting-edge DBM-350 Digital Booklet system and the UK’s first DC-618 slitter cutter creaser combined with Duplo’s new DC-F100 integrated folder.
Founder and Managing Director David Ghent reflects on the journey, stating, "After 23 years in business, we recognised that our original premises in Walcot Street no longer served our growing needs. The scattered layout across multiple buildings hindered our potential. In January 2022, we made the strategic decision to transition to our new location. It was a substantial investment, requiring over £1 million, eight miles of electrical cabling, and the relocation of over eight tonnes of machinery and equipment. Despite the challenges, we successfully navigated the transition."
The purpose-built commercial unit now consolidates all operations under one roof, housing cutting-edge equipment including our two new Xerox colour digital presses, the newly acquired Duplo DBM-350 Digital Booklet maker, and a DC-618 slitter cutter creaser with DC-F100 integrated folder. Additionally, the spacious facility offers amenities such as breakout areas and customer desks, fostering a collaborative environment for clients to discuss their requirements and brainstorm ideas over coffee.
This strategic investment and repositioning have not only doubled Minuteman Press Bath's capacity but have also significantly improved turnaround times, reinforcing their commitment to providing high-quality printing solutions to their valued clientele.
Along with a great team, David is continuously investing in the best equipment to ensure that Minuteman can deliver on the widest range of services at a high standard. “One of our latest investments is the Duplo DBM-350 Digital Booklet System which was installed late last year. Replaced an aging KAS fold hand-fed booklet maker. The choice for the Digital system was mainly to automate and improve the efficiency of all our booklet jobs. It’s just so easy and simple to use, our operators love it and find the user interface nice and simple to do job changes and setups. We are now able to produce A4 landscape along with a huge range of other products at the touch of a button.”
“This year, we will be saying goodbye to one of our most experienced finishers due to retirement, and with that loss comes a wide hole in the skill set. So when Jason, over at Duplo told me about their new Integrated folder in-line with their DC-618 multi-finisher, I just had to have a look.” Explained David. First off, the DC-618 is a powerhouse. It just does so many products, and it’s so easy to use – if you can operate a PC, you can professionally finish approximately 60% of all jobs that need doing on the device. But their new integrated folder, the DC-F100 just makes sense. Now the same device can be used to produce all the folded leaflets, flyers, cards and brochures and fold at an incredibly high level, consistently and quickly. Everything is integrated through the Fiery so that all the reg and bar codes are printed so all my operators need to do is load the DC-618 and hit the green button.”
Jason Davies, Regional Sales Manager for Duplo explains, “David had let me know that a key member of his finishing team was retiring in May 2024. I was aware that he was using 2 guillotines, a separate folder, creaser, and separate perforator to achieve finished products. This of course, was quite labour intensive and needed trained staff. The DC-618 and the New DC-F100 Folder has a very small footprint and can do all of above jobs plus without too much skill and labour time. He could also improve quality with registration correction and shrinkage or stretch control. The DC618 is networked with the Fiery interface and press. When they impose print jobs ready for the press the finishing information can then be sent directly to the DC618. It really is that simple! He will now be able to operate with reduced staff, room will be saved on the production floor, and they can offer perfectly finished jobs. Since the launch of the Multi-finishers, I have heard them being called “The Game Changer”, “The No-Brainer” amongst other great comments. Anyone who has a serious digital production environment needs to really consider this and I am pleased David is the first to the New F100 in the UK.”
David elaborates, "New customers are often pleasantly surprised by the extensive range of solutions we offer beyond traditional printing." Minuteman Press Bath boasts an extensive selection of high-definition printing services, spanning from card products and business stationery to promotional printing and presentation folders. Moreover, our expertise extends beyond printing, encompassing display units, exhibition stands, vinyl banners, vehicle and window graphics, and shop signage. With the ability to work with diverse materials, including metal and wood, our offerings are versatile and adaptable to various client needs. Our team of skilled graphic designers collaborates closely with clients to craft or refine artwork and logos, ensuring each design is bespoke and enhances the client's branding.
Established in April 1998, Minuteman Press Bath proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary in the vibrant city of Bath. The decision to relocate and the substantial investment dedicated to the endeavour have yielded overwhelmingly positive results. This strategic move has enabled us to significantly scale up our operations while simultaneously enhancing quality, standards, speed, and sustainability. It marks the commencement of a new chapter for Minuteman Press Bath, and we are eager and optimistic about the future.
"Our extensive experience positions us to uphold the core attributes of our business: rapid turnaround times, unwavering customer care, meticulous quality control, and comprehensive packaging and delivery services," David concludes.
David Ghent Minuteman Press Bath MD with recently installed Duplo DBM-350.
MM Bath David Ghent & Jason Davies
MM Bath David Ghent
