Cardiff based, digital print specialist Minuteman Press recently purchased a Vivid Matrix MX-370P for their lamination requirements. In a recent interview with Vivid’s marketing team Branch Manager, Louise Williams, explained how the purchase had come about and how the foiling and effects capability quickly opened new opportunities for them:

Vivid: Louise, can you give an overview of your operation:
Minuteman: Minuteman Press is predominantly a business-to-business print facility based in Cardiff, which is known for being a centre for design and creative services. We are ideally located to serve businesses there as well as in the surrounding area.

We are a dedicated team, built on a strong foundation of expertise within the print and design industry, with many years’ experience in this sector. We pride ourselves on our professional friendly service, offering an efficient and prompt response, ensuring that your needs are met on time and within budget. Top quality, quick turnaround & great service is the minimum you can expect from us!

Vivid: How does the Matrix sit amongst your other equipment?
Minuteman: We run 3 digital presses and using the Matrix for laminating and foiling in conjunction with these was easy.

Vivid: Why was the Vivid system chosen?
Minuteman: Primarily we were looking for a higher quality, faster laminator, as we had outgrown our current one. We visited The Print Show and saw several options, but we were most impressed by the Vivid Matrix MX-370P, as it was mainly built in the UK, and, production-wise, it is quick and easy to use. That the Matrix had an added bonus of supporting foiling as well as lamination was something we were already interested in after seeing a machine the year before. Overall, the Matrix offered outstanding value for money.

Vivid: What applications has the Matrix been used for?
Minuteman: Lamination is still the machine’s main function, allowing us to keep more work in-house, giving much higher added value. However, the machine has also opened new doors with the various foiling options that it supports.

Vivid: And what is your favourite effect so far?
Minuteman: We love the gold foil on cream card, it is especially popular for invitations and we have just ordered rose gold foil that has been described as ‘lush’! We are looking forward to expanding our collection of foils and are especially keen to try out the holographic films!

Vivid: In summary what would you say about the Matrix?
Minuteman: This machine has enabled us to laminate a higher volume of work in-house much more efficiently, meaning we can turn jobs around faster, increasing our capacity and efficiency and pass savings onto our customers.

It has additionally enabled us to offer foiling, a luxury finish with a high-perceived value, at an affordable price. The foil really does make the print stand out and many of our customers are now placing foil orders, even those who never knew they wanted it until seeing our samples!

We are able to help support local independent businesses who use the foil for postcards and stationery.

Vivid: Anything else you would like to add?
Minuteman: We really love the Matrix, and would thoroughly recommend it to anybody, laminating is a breeze and, as it is pneumatic, non-digital films can also be used. Foiling is slightly trickier but Vivid provided full training and the results make it 100% worth the effort.

If you purchase this machine you will be happy with your decision, we are sure of that!