UK book manufacturer Clays Ltd is joining Opus Group’s international Content Delivery Alliance (CDA), a network to support journal and print publishers who need content produced and delivered close to the end user. Clays, which has been part of the St. Ives Group for more than 25 years, also joins US-based printer The Sheridan Group in the CDA network – widening its footprint across the UK, North America and Opus’ Asia Pacific reach from sites in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Cliff Brigstocke, CEO of Opus Group

Cliff Brigstocke, CEO of Opus Group, says the arrival of Clays brings a ‘significant at scale production facility’ in the UK that can produce work locally, cutting down on distribution costs. He tells Australian Printer, “Each member of the CDA will produce close to local clients using one file from a global publisher versus the previous supply chain model where bulk was produced off-shore and imported. “The new model revolves around the Total Cost of Ownership approach, that is, speed to market, lower freight costs, lower storage costs and low to nil obsolescence.” He adds that bringing Clays into the CDA fold means that the North America, Europe and Asia Pacific markets are now covered by the alliance, and, he says, this reach is sufficient to service the network’s major global publishers; further alliances in other countries are not expected at this stage. Kate McFarlane, managing director of Clays, says, “We have, for many years, worked closely with our publishing customers to develop the most effective means of supplying books to retail and other outlets. To extend this offering to international markets is the next logical step for us and the CDA partnership is a great cultural fit. We are delighted to be part of the CDA with Opus and The Sheridan Group.” Brigstocke says, “Until now the CDA has consisted of OPUS Group in Asia Pacific and Sheridan Group in North America, so we are very excited to have Clays join. “Clays is an industry leader and their extensive products and value-add suite of publisher services complement the purpose and value of this global alliance, which provides a true solution for regional and global publishing customers.” Suffolk-based Clays Ltd offers publisher services including consultancy, fulfilment, distribution, print-on-demand, pre-retail and e-book conversions. It claims to produce 180 million books each year.

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