BUSINESS / NEWS 14 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk January / February 2024 - Issue 346 PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Bluetree Group has announced it will move all resources back onto print and close its medical division, and has reshuffled senior management as a result. The company launched its medical division during the Covid-19 pandemic when it secured a DHSC contract to manufacture Type IIR masks. However, with demand for these products having now declined, all resources are to be focused solely on print again. This additional focus will be mainly on books and booklet printing which Adam Carnell co-chief executive officer of Bluetree says has been identified as one of the fastest-growing areas of the business. The production of books and booklets within Bluetree was strengthened by the acquisition of award-winning book printer Kingsbury Press in October 2021. In May 2023, the Doncaster-based Group relocated all operations to its main site on Manvers Way with finishing now taking place adjacent to the main production facility in Unit B which previously housed the medical division. The restructure has also seen a reshuffle within the Group’s senior management team with Jon Smith, former managing director of the medical division taking on the role of production director having previously also ran the instantprint brand. Phil Tasker will take over as head of Kingsbury Press having formerly ran Route1Print. Jack Parks will move from sales director for the medical division to head Route1Print having also previously ran the instantprint direct brand. Bluetree closes medical division Bluetree Group has announced a restructure with the mothballing of its medical division and in turn has had a reshuffle of senior management Sappi set to close its Stockstadt Mill early 2024 A consultation process is now underway for Sappi’s Lanaken Mill On July 6th, 2023, global pulp and paper-based solutions company, Sappi, began a consultation process on the possible closure of its Stockstadt Mill. This process took three months and has now resulted in the planned closure of the site during Q1 of 2024. The company has cited “the persistent global economic downturn proving to be much tougher than anticipated with depressed markets, geopolitical instability, and weak economic growth combining” as causing pressure. With the significant overcapacity in graphic paper forcing Sappi to take extended periods of costly commercial downtime, the company has also now commenced a consultation process on the future of its Lanaken Mill. Looking forward, Sappi says it remains focused on building a sustainably resilient company and this requires evaluating the future of all areas of its business. By Carys Evans The opening of CSI Manufacturing’s new state-of-the-art premises in Weston-SuperMare has been hailed a success. Described as more than just a celebration of physical space, CSI Manufacturing says the grand opening was a “celebration of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the enduring spirit of advancement that defines CSI Manufacturing and its esteemed partners”. Marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey, the new premises boasts 9,750sq ft of operational space and has been strategically selected to optimise logistical capabilities. CSI Manufacturing can now further enhance its services and provide an even more streamlined experience for its customers. CSI Manufacturing grand opening a success Aurora Managed Services has acquired Blue Sky Digital, a managed print solution provider based in South Wales and Bristol. A provider of fully managed print services, telecoms, office supplies, and enterprise solutions, Aurora has offices located throughout England, including its recently opened Newcastle office. When growing into Newcastle the company said the expansion was part of its ethos of “local action, national scale.” This latest addition to the company adds further expansion for Aurora in South Wales and the South West of England. The acquisition took effect from December 1st and means Blue Sky Digital and Aurora will be able to continue to elevate services but also drive value for clients across various regions. [L to R] Andy Moffitt, Aurora; Neil Brewer, Blue Sky; Ian Brewer, Blue Sky; and Martin Oxley, Aurora CSI Manufacturing described the grand opening as more than just a celebration of physical space Aurora acquires South Wales-based business WTTB has secured the European rights to CAMI, a communications platform that enables users to deliver personalised video messages through a QR code. Through the system, users can buy a code on the WTTB website, upload a 29-second video via CAMI’s site, and then incorporate a QR code in their printed materials, enabling people to access the additional content. One example of this could be a business card featuring a personalised video downloadable via a QR code, also known as a CAMIcode. CAMIcodes are an example of the way printed products can be used in partnership with digital communications to add value and offer more to users. WTTB secures European Rights to video platform WTTB has secured the European rights to CAMI, a downloadable video platform
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