Groupe dupliprint: Pioneering Digital Printing with Muller Martini’s SigmaLine Compact and Antaro Digital
Frédéric Fabi, founder and CEO of Groupe dupliprint, emphasizes that the printing industry is highly price-driven, which has driven his company’s investment in cutting-edge technology to maintain competitiveness. Groupe dupliprint, a leading digital printing company in France, has recently invested in the SigmaLine Compact digital book block production system and the Antaro Digital perfect binder from Muller Martini. This move reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in the face of industry challenges.
A History of Innovation
Founded 32 years ago, Groupe dupliprint has consistently been at the forefront of the graphic arts industry in France. In 1999, it became the first French printing company to offer web-to-print solutions, and in 2012, it introduced the first fully automated short-run book production line. Today, the company operates two plants—one in Domont and another in Mayenne—employing 245 people. Its core business is the production of softcover books, with a focus on digital short-run production, handling print runs of 10 to 2,500 copies per title through its proprietary web-based solution, Sosimply. Larger jobs are printed using offset and finished on perfect binders, including the Corona from Muller Martini and the KM 600 from Kolbus.
Adapting to Industry Trends
Groupe dupliprint continuously updates its production processes to align with technological advancements. According to Fabi, a seamless workflow with minimal manual intervention is essential in the short-run sector, which is highly price-sensitive. The company’s Domont plant operates in a 24/7 mode, ensuring efficiency and productivity. Customer order data, primarily from publishing houses and self-publishers, is sent directly into the company’s system as an XML file. Jobs are processed through the Connex workflow system, printed on the HP T380 digital press, and then passed through the SigmaLine Compact and Antaro Digital for finishing, including trimming via the InfiniTrim robot.
The Investment in SigmaLine Compact and Antaro Digital
Groupe dupliprint’s decision to invest in the SigmaLine Compact and Antaro Digital was driven by the need for a more economical and efficient system. Five years ago, the company had invested in a less automated system from another manufacturer, which proved insufficient in terms of productivity. After thorough evaluation, Groupe dupliprint chose the SigmaLine Compact and Antaro Digital, trusting Muller Martini’s reputation and experience. Fabi notes that the SigmaLine Compact, despite not being seen in person before installation, was thoroughly vetted by his team. The Antaro Digital, known for its high-quality perfect binding, complements the SigmaLine Compact perfectly, ensuring consistent quality across print runs of all sizes.
Achieving Efficiency and Quality
The SigmaLine Compact and Antaro Digital have significantly improved Groupe dupliprint’s efficiency, particularly for print runs between 20 and 50 copies, where productivity has nearly doubled. The entire finishing system is operated by a single person, reducing labor costs and increasing automation. Training provided by Muller Martini’s technicians enabled the operators to quickly master the new machines. Fabi highlights that the SigmaLine Compact and Antaro Digital have met all expectations, and Muller Martini’s after-sales service has been a key factor in their satisfaction.
Moving Toward a Smart Factory
The primary goal of the investment was not to enter new market segments but to enhance the existing business model. Groupe dupliprint aims to minimize manual intervention and transform into a smart factory, aligning with the growing importance of short-run production in the printing industry. The company has also linked its HP digital printing press to the Connex workflow system and plans to integrate additional perfect binders in the future. Fabi acknowledges that while significant progress has been made, the workflow remains a major challenge that requires continuous improvement.
Collaboration with Muller Martini
Fabi describes the collaboration with Muller Martini as “extremely exciting,” noting that both companies are improving day by day. Connex workshops held at Groupe dupliprint have fostered teamwork between the company’s IT specialists and Muller Martini’s experts, resulting in a highly optimized workflow. The integration of the SigmaLine Compact, Antaro Digital, and HP digital press into the Connex system has streamlined operations, but Fabi emphasizes that the journey toward full optimization is ongoing.
Conclusion
Groupe dupliprint’s investment in the SigmaLine Compact and Antaro Digital underscores its commitment to innovation and efficiency in the digital printing industry. By prioritizing seamless workflows, high-quality production, and smart factory capabilities, the company is well-positioned to thrive in the evolving landscape of short-run printing. Fabi’s partnership with Muller Martini has been instrumental in achieving these goals, and the collaboration continues to drive improvements in Groupe dupliprint’s operations. As the printing industry continues to evolve, Groupe dupliprint remains a trailblazer, setting new standards for digital book production.
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