Tsiakkas Digital Printing is a family-run business based in Limassol, Cyprus, that recently invested in a Duplo DC-618 Multifinisher paired with the DC-F100 folder. This decision has proven to be a game-changer for their operations, enhancing their efficiency and broadening the scope of services they offer to their clients.
"We started with small copier machines… actually starting from my Dad in 1978. We started doing small copies and prints." explains Sophia Tsiakkas, Marketing Manager at Tsiakkas. "When we came into the company, me and my brother… we started looking for some more professional machines."
The Decision to Invest
The journey towards purchasing the Duplo machines began with a recommendation from Sottos Brothers, their trusted supplier. The team at Tsiakkas Digital Printing initially saw a demonstration of the DC-618 Multifinisher at Sottos demo room and a second demonstration at Drupa but took time on their decision.
"We went to Drupa in Dusseldorf, and there I saw a lot of similar machines from China, Japan as well as other brands." they shared. "We saw Duplo on the last day of the exhibition, where everyone was exhausted from the show. When we came back, we did some more research, and decided it’s the best choice for us.”
A Game-Changer for Productivity
Before the installation of the Duplo DC-618 and DC-F100 folder, much of the finishing work at Tsiakkas Digital Printing was time-consuming and labour-intensive. Now, with these machines, they can handle a wider variety of jobs more efficiently.
One of the biggest impacts has been the ability to meet urgent deadlines, they noted "Previously, a client would need 1,000 tri-fold in 2 or 3 hours, now, I think I am the only one that can do that on the island, to print them, to be creased and folded in that time frame."
The DC-F100 folder, added shortly after the DC-618, became essential as demand for folding services grew. "If you do like 10 or 20 pieces, okay you can do it by hand, but if somebody asks you for 200, you cannot do it by hand.” They realised that the folder was a necessity to meet client expectations.
Empowering the Team
Interestingly, Tsiakkas Digital Printing’s design team has also taken on a new role as machine operators. With zero prior experience in print, these designers quickly adapted to running the Duplo machines.
"The four graphic designers in house, are actually designing from A-Z, from the design to finish.” John interjects “What is important, is that these four people did not have any printing experience beforehand, they weren't operating any printing.”
Expanding Services and Improving Quality
The ability to crease, cut, and fold in-house has allowed Tsiakkas Digital Printing to offer more bespoke services to their clients. Custom envelopes, tri-fold menus, and event collateral are just a few examples of the products they now produce, generally centring around the tourism industry.
"We do a lot of menus, though since COVID, there is a little bit less for the restaurants, with QR codes, they print less quantities, and there is a real coverage of industries that you have because of the tourist industry which is very high in Cyprus” but their work is not limited to the tourist industry, though it may still be linked… John says “Tsiakkas’ Digital Printing is located in Limassol which is a business hub as well, but the main businesses are revolving around that (tourist) industry”.
Positive Feedback from the Team
The in-house team has been vocal about their appreciation for the new machines. "The procedures changed in one day when the guys came for training, (the designers) were saying, 'Oh my God, we can do this so fast!'” The process that used to take hours now takes minutes.
Final Thoughts
The addition of the Duplo DC-618 and DC-F100 folder has been transformative for Tsiakkas Digital Printing. The company can now handle more complex jobs in less time, offer new services, and improve their overall efficiency.
"Of course, this is the biggest impact that we had - that we can give to the customer -the very good quality in fastest, fastest way.” John adds “They can control the quality so create productivity and I'm seeing a lot of benefits out of this installation as an outsider, which is really good”.
