fulfilment & finishing services

Our impressive range of added value fulfilment services provide book publishers with the UK’s most comprehensive service for the fulfilment and packaging of books.

stickering
The stickering of books is increasingly common. Each day we apply thousands of promotional, correction or barcode stickers to our customers' books. We offer a quick, efficient and flexible service using either our own stickers or those provided by the customer.

This service allows customers to respond quickly to market requirements such as reduced pricing, special offers and the occasional errors that inevitably occur.

Wherever possible, we sticker our cased books on machine and pack in-line. Paperbacks have the covers pre-stickered prior to binding and packing. If stickers are unavailable at the time of manufacturing, we will store the books on site for a short time, sticker them and then repack.

shrink wrapping & presentation packs
Shrink wrapping provides many benefits for presentation, security, protection and to hold a loose product in a book. We have the technology to shrink wrap individual books, multiple books or box sets.

slip cases
Placing books in slip cases, either individually or in multiples, is an ideal way for publishers to add value to their products. Slip cases come in two main forms, the fast, effective and versatile flexi-case, or the more substantial rigid slip cases.

flexi cases
As its name suggests, the Flexi is a slip case that’s flexible, has a "tuck in back" and is usually printed and laminated. It is ideal for runs over 3000 and special sales projects. Suitable for individual books or sets up to 200mm, it can be thumb cut. For long runs, Flexis are also cheaper and faster to produce than rigid cases.

rigid cases
These are the traditional slip cased boxes - normally printed and laminated - but they can also be cloth (Wibalin) covered at a similar cost. Ideal for higher specification projects or shorter runs, they are also suitable for heavier sets.

cd insertion
We can insert CDs or DVDs anywhere in paperbacks or cased books. They can be glued into position - normally inside the cover - or inserted loose and then shrink wrapped. As well as supplying our own CD/DVDs and wallets, we can handle those supplied by customers. We normally receive the CDs in wallets, which we then glue on to the cover or case. These can also be shrink wrapped onto or into a book, or loose inserted.

signed copies
Author signed copies are now an important selling tool. We can arrange individual numbering for each copy, if required, or we can provide individual pages for the author to sign. This is fast and easy to handle, and can be done at the author’s convenience prior to, or after production. These pages can then be glued into the books. Although it is often more difficult for the author, due to the sheer bulk of the books, we can also arrange for books to be specially packed and delivered to a home address to simplify the process.

handwork
Using our experienced team of bindery workers, we can handle intricate and complex upgrades, modifications or repairs to paperbacks and cased books.

Inserts can be loose or glued and can be placed anywhere in the book. Popular inserts include CDs, booklets, promotional material and bookmarks. We are able to glue in many types of papers and materials to provide colour, highlight an area or to add marketing material.

wraps
Wraps are a great way of adding colour to a book by wrapping one section round another.

Available in a vast array of shapes, sizes and colours, belly-bands are another excellent promotional aid. They can be tucked in or wrapped around the whole book, and can be applied to either paperbacks or cased books.

Mistakes do happen, but we can correct them, so customers don't have to live with an error or destroy the books. We can perform many remarkable repairs to books, saving thousands of pounds on the cost of a reprint. Where a customer needs to 'repackage' a book, hardback or paperback, we can 'strip' off the old cover and replace it with a new one.

packaging
We pack books to suit individual customers. Methods include:

• make up and fill dump bins and counter packs
• pack boxes to specific quantities
• individual mailings in postal cartons