Opus outlined its development strategy in a recent NZX presentation for rising companies. It says that the strategy of having two partners in the UK allows the alliance to capitalise on opportunities across a number of market sectors utilising the individual and combined strengths of those involved. Hobbs has experience in publication production for educational, legal and scientific, technical and medical publishers, combined with sophisticated business and print related solutions for government departments, transport organisations and commercial businesses. MPG is a specialised book and journal manufacturer providing innovative business platforms for many of the leading publishers in the UK and Europe.
Cliff Brigstocke, chief executive officer at Opus says, “Educational publishing is specialised and focused on delivering high value content in short runs to suit specific courses and areas of study. Print will maintain its vitality as a distribution medium in this market.”
The alliance will offer on-shore printing of time sensitive, short run products for the UK and Asia Pacific in conjunction with the ability to print products that are less time sensitive at the Opus-owned facility in Singapore. Opus says that the extensive and complementary facilities and services provided by each of the companies combined with their reputations for quality and service will provide a firm foundation for the development of the service offering.
David Hobbs, owner of Hobbs the Printers, says, “As a privately owned business with a long and well respected reputation as a quality provider of printing services in the UK, we recognise that the world of publication production is changing and that the development of strategic alliances around the world can only be a positive step for ourselves, our current and future customers and our partners. I’ve known both Tony and Cliff for a number of years and believe we can work together to achieve common goals”.
Tony Chard, chief executive at MPG, also comments, “The creation of this alliance provides our clients with a stable, cohesive and cost effective manufacturing platform encompassing three world class organisations committed to providing innovative solutions on a global basis. I am delighted that MPG Books Group, the largest independent book and journal manufacturer in the UK, is part of this alliance.”
Opus adds that its offer covers a full service package with digital, including the latest inkjet technology, as a key element along with each partner also having the ability to deliver in-house offset, full colour finishing and binding.
Having established alliances in the UK, Opus will now look to further extend its global capability with a strategic alliance in North America. Brigstocke says, “Negotiations are advanced and we expect to make an announcement in the near future. When combined with our existing China partner, Hung Hing, this will round out our global capability, unmatched in our specialist markets.”
Opus says it will showcase its global and regional capability to publishers at the upcoming London Book Fair along with the latest release of its proprietary I Palm platform that provides publishers with a technology bridge to provide seamless digital and traditional supply chain solutions.
Brigstocke adds, “IPalm provides publishers with the opportunity to maximise their revenues while retaining control of the content and service delivery platforms. Customers are already achieving significant time, quality and financial benefits by taking advantage of IPalm’s capabilities.”
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