Colourbridge South West Limited, a vibrant print shop in Ivybridge Devon, have installed a new Duplo DC-618 slitter, cutter, creaser with the DC-F100 integrated folder to embrace automation to boost efficiency and free up valuable time. “Our latest installations from Duplo are a compact, high-performance duo that has transformed our workflow and opened up exciting new business opportunities.” Says Alan Dakin, Owner of Colourbridge.
Alan founded Colourbridge on April 1st, 2014, taking over a local print shop just off the high street. Gina joined the business in 2017 and has helped the business grow and has since expanded into an industrial unit and purchased another print company to increase capacity. With just two staff and a steady stream of walk-in customers, the shop’s production needed to be fast, flexible and efficient. “We’ve always been about great service with a smile and a completely personal experience from the minute you walk in the door,” says Alan.
Originally, Alan was in the market for a second-hand folder/creaser. But a visit to Duplo’s showroom quickly changed that plan. “When we visited the showroom and the DC‑618 and F100 caught my eye and I knew straight away that I wanted them. Neil Scott the Duplo showroom manager was great, showing me all the exciting products Duplo have to offer, but the DC-618 really stood out as giving me the best bang for my buck,” he explains. “This model was chosen due to the wide options that it offers – trimming, creasing, folding and perforating all in one.”
The DC‑618 is a fully automated finishing system capable of performing up to six slits, thirty cuts and twenty creases in a single pass – perfect for full-bleed applications like business cards, brochures, greeting cards and more. By pairing it with the DC‑F100 Inline Folder, Colourbridge can now finish jobs like folded leaflets and greeting cards seamlessly in one pass. For a busy print business with high foot traffic and minimal staff, automation was key. “Production has increased and freed up lots of time to speak to customers and get their order completed quicker,” Alan says. “Purchasing the machine has freed up lots of time, workflow has increased due to this and customer satisfaction has also increased.”
The integrated automation of the DC‑618 and F‑100 has not only boosted output but also enabled Colourbridge to reduce manual tasks like hand-folding and separate perforation, which previously slowed things down. “Trimming, creasing and folding for greetings cards is our favourite option,” says Alan. “It cuts out a lot of manual processes.” Alan credits his positive experience with the Duplo team as a key reason for becoming a returning customer, having previously invested in a DBM‑150 booklet maker and IDEAL guillotine. “Installation was great, very efficient and friendly staff made the whole process enjoyable,” he recalls. “Jason has been an asset to Duplo, very honest and not at all pushy. He discussed everything clearly, which is why I am a returning customer.”
“Knowing Alan’s business, I just knew that a simple creaser folder wouldn’t cut it for him.” Says Jason Davies, Regional Sales Manager for Duplo. “With the amount of foot traffic he receives, his entire production grinds to a halt and so he needed the automation that the DC-618 could offer him. He even installed and integrated the Fiery with the DC-618 before we could get to it! It’s a powerful combination that has freed him up to really give his customers the headspace and help they need.”
With the DC‑618 and F‑100 in place, Colourbridge is now exploring new folded products and looking ahead to further expansion. “We’ll be offering new folded leaflets and products which we weren’t able to do in the past,” Alan explains. “In the long run, this will be more cost-effective when replacing the printer.” They also hope to add an automatic feeder to their DMM‑150 in the future to support larger runs. The new devices sit alongside Colourbridges’ Xerox Versant 280, large format printing and laminating equipment for signage and banners, as well a T-Shirt and Mug press for personal gifts.
Beyond print, Colourbridge proudly supports small charities in the Ivybridge and Plymouth area, including Jeremiah’s Journey, which helps children coping with bereavement. “They are lovely people and a great cause,” says Alan.
Colourbridge’s story is a powerful example of how even a small team can scale up production, explore new markets and improve customer satisfaction, with the right tools in place. If your business is ready to streamline its finishing process and embrace automation, the DC‑618 and DC‑F100 could be exactly what you need.
