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CDS Print Services strengthens production with Plockmatic Group finishing

As one of the UK’s leading providers of high-quality, end-to-end print solutions, CDS Print Services continues to invest in technology and partnerships that keep its operations at the forefront of print production. Following a major investment programme in 2024–2025, the company has upgraded multiple finishing lines with the latest Morgana and Plockmatic systems – reinforcing a relationship spanning almost 20 years.

Part of the Bailie Group, CDS Print Services combines secure print and fulfilment, large format production, and managed print services within a single, efficient operation. The business recently unified all print-related activity under the CDS Print Services name following an internal reorganisation designed to drive closer alignment across its teams and enable faster, more consistent turnaround for clients.

“We chose the Morgana and Plockmatic systems for their reliability and the strength of our relationship,” explains Darren Burley, Head of Operations, CDS Print Services.

A two-decade relationship built on trust

CDS Print Services’ long-standing partnership with Morgana began nearly two decades ago. Over that time, the company has commissioned numerous installations, each aligned to its goal of delivering quality, consistency, and efficiency for customers across both commercial and public-sector sectors.

Investments with Morgana have included a broad suite of systems. They include the BM5035/SQF3000/FTR/VFX, Aerocut X, DigiFold Pro XL, DocuBind Pro VFX, Band-It 50, MOHR 80 Plus – forming a comprehensive, automated finishing workflow. The company also operates a PowerSquare 224 system with Canon feeder, and uses wire-binding solutions from RENZ, part of the Plockmatic Group portfolio.

“We chose the Morgana and Plockmatic systems for their reliability and the strength of our relationship,” explains Darren Burley, Head of Operations, CDS Print Services.
“Over the years, we’ve come to rely on Morgana for robust engineering, knowledgeable support, and machines that perform precisely as we need them to.”

Efficiency and versatility driving real-world results

Installed in 2024, the Morgana BM5035/SQF3000/FTR/VFX booklet maker has already produced more than 380,000 books for CDS, transforming digitally printed sheets into fully finished booklets with sharp, professional quality. Typical production runs range between 100 and 2,000 copies, though many longer run projects also pass through the system.

Ease of use and automation remain key benefits. The company highlights intuitive touchscreen controls, simplified feeding and job memory features, and quick changeovers between tasks. Together, these features have reduced setup times and allowed operators to process a wider range of substrates (80–400gsm across uncoated, gloss, silk, board, and NCR materials) without compromising consistency.

“The automation and versatility of Morgana’s latest technology delivered immediate productivity gains,” says Burley. “We’ve reduced waste, maintained consistent finishing quality, and increased throughput – making it easier for our operators to focus on quality rather than adjustment.”

Unexpected advantages have also emerged from the equipment’s flexibility. On the BM series booklet makers, turning off the stapling function allows flat-sheet folding at speeds exceeding 6,000 sheets per hour – a substantial increase over previous capabilities. Paired with other systems such as the DigiFold Pro XL and Aerocut X, this has opened up new workflow efficiencies and helped futureproof the finishing department for upcoming growth.

“Our investment decisions always balance productivity, quality, and customer value,” concludes Burley. “Morgana and Plockmatic’s finishing systems fit seamlessly into that vision – helping us to deliver print that performs, every time.”

Streamlined service and predictable costs

Operational stability and cost control have also improved. CDS Print Services previously maintained 21 individual service contracts across various finishing machines. Working closely with Morgana, the company consolidated those agreements into a single, fixed-term support contract – simplifying administration, providing consistent coverage, and securing long-term cost predictability.

“It’s a genuine partnership approach,” adds Burley. “By aligning everything under one agreement, we gain cost stability and the confidence that our key production systems are fully backed by the manufacturer. One of the things we are most proud is the three-year fixed-term servicing contract demonstrating strong commitment from both of us. It shows we know where we stand. Instead of coming out on separate occasions, we now have an engineer on site once a year.”

Delivering measurable improvements

Across CDS’s print operation, the combined benefits of automation, precision, and flexibility have led to measurable improvements in productivity and overall output. Reductions in setup time, waste, and manual handling have allowed the company to handle higher volumes and tighter deadlines while maintaining the consistent quality for which it is known.

The uptime reliability of the Plockmatic equipment has also contributed to higher printer utilization rates, ensuring that CDS’s fleet of Canon imagePRESS systems operates continuously at optimum throughput. Optional features such as SquareFold spines and dynamic trimming on finished booklets further enhance aesthetic finish – qualities that align perfectly with CDS’s commitment to high standards and attention to detail.

A partnership for the future

For CDS Print Services, technological investment and partnership go hand in hand. As the company continues to evolve, its focus remains on initiatives that drive operational efficiency and sustainable growth.

“Our investment decisions always balance productivity, quality, and customer value,” concludes Burley. “Morgana and Plockmatic’s finishing systems fit seamlessly into that vision – helping us to deliver print that performs, every time.”