Illek purchased an Autobond MINI 76 TPH sheet-fed laminator from Australian agent Graph-Pak Pty in Queensland, and established a solid customer base within the first few weeks of operation.
“When I started the new Sydney-based business I actually had no customers at all and so we commissioned the Autobond MINI 76 using wastage that I obtained from a local printer,” says Illek.
“Even so, the installation, training and commissioning went very smoothly and I soon won my first order. Since then, business has grown incredibly fast just by word of mouth recommendations.
“I’ve worked in the laminating trade for many years but the Autobond machine virtually sells itself. The robust construction allows up to nine tonnes of pressure to be applied in the nip rollers and this means I have successfully laminated work printed digitally with toner based inks, in addition to litho produced print. Although these are early days jobs have already ranged from business cards to magazine and book covers and posters.
“The Autobond MINI 76 is very straightforward to operate, with a fast makeready that allows it to be highly efficient on short run jobs. On long run work the machine laminates at 60 metres a minute, which is a huge output.
“The Heidelberg feed head ensures uninterrupted feeding of stock, while the Siemens electronics controls each element of the laminator accurately. A fair percentage of work requires laminating both sides and the perfecting feature means that this is achieved in one pass, which makes the MINI 76 even more productive,” says Illek.
Cello Central is already winning orders from printers as far as 60km away.
“We are able to offer a keen price because the overheads are low – there is just me and the Autobond machine – and customers are finding that it is worth their while to transport jobs from quite some distance,” continues Illek.
“Companies that have visited the new premises have been impressed by the infrastructure of the business and I think this, and the imposing construction of the Autobond MINI 76, gives them confidence to place orders.
“At the same time I have confidence because of the fantastic service and support provided by Graph-Pak, which has only recently taken on the Autobond agency in Australia.”
llek has already decided to buy another Autobond laminator.
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