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Portobello Press Forges Stronger Customers Ties With KODAK Workflow Solutions

London commercial printer Portobello Press has invested in KODAK PRINERGY Workflow and KODAK INSITE Storefront Systems to help it enhance its customer service.

Portobello Press strongly believes the solutions help to meet the increasing demand for short-run fast turnaround jobs as part of its day-to-day print service delivery. With a wide range of clients from blue chips and charities to local businesses, the company wanted to be as responsive as possible around the clock, which is why it chose to add web to print capabilities with the KODAK INSITE Storefront System. The operation plans to make the most of the effective combination of online ordering and purchasing that will enable it to build a customised website with one to one marketing and variable data print capabilities as well as secure flexible and simplified purchasing options and pricing engines.

Improved accuracy

Operations director Iain Storey, explains: “We believe that having a web to print solution will enable us to forge stronger relationships with our customers. It will also allow them to order what they want when they want it.”

The Power of the KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System

"The KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System was added to aid throughput internally and with an eye on full JDF integration in the long term while the KODAK INSITE Storefront System will create a stronger order interface with existing clients," states Storey. “For a while we have felt the addition of this service would be hugely beneficial for us and our customers. We have had a number of conversations with clients and they are very excited about the possibilities that are opening up to them. A major element of the process has been the installation and testing to get the system up and running. Kodak has given us great support and the confidence to get started..”

Additional Investment

Portobello Press’s investment also included a KODAK MAGNUS 400 QUANTUM four-page CTP Platesetter and a multi-year deal on KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Non Process Plates. Mr Storey comments: “We had been looking for a couple of years to upgrade our existing CTP system as we were spending a lot of time on maintenance. We also wanted to eliminate the use of chemicals. Not only does this save time by reducing a process and can save money by taking out an expense, it is also helping us work towards gaining ISO 140001 accreditation which we hope to achieve by the end of the year and ISO 12647-2 colour management accreditation because if the improved consistency and accuracy.”

Solutions Portfolio

A key 'convincer' of the whole investment programme is Kodak’s ability to offer all the solutions that Portobello Press requires. “We looked at most of the market-ready options and we short-listed suppliers, " says Storey.

“With advice on plate testing, storing curves, tackling dotgain and fount solutions we feel very well supported. We like the fact that we will have both the workflow and web to print solution from Kodak.  This means we can be confident that all the elements will work together seamlessly and we can have the services operational as smoothly as possible.”

He concludes: “The service from Kodak has been great too.”

About Portobello Press

Founded in 1983 by co-owners and directors Peter Murtagh and Robert Howie, the company initially operated out of shop premises in Portobello Road which gave the company its name.  It offered copying and print management services to businesses and charities across London and the South East.

After just two years the business outgrew the shop and added an industrial site nearby to install the company's first litho press. Further expansion continued with the acquisition of a second industrial unit and additional press capacity. In 1992 Portobello Press moved to its current 15,000 sq. ft. home and installed its first four-colour press, a Heidelberg MO. 

Continuing investment in both colour litho and digital print helped the company reach an annual turnover of £4m.  There are now 30 employees running four litho presses - including a five-colour SpeedMaster 74 and a four-colour SpeedMaster 52- and four digital presses.

About Kodak

As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.

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