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Commercial printer, Bishops Printers, has detailed its latest output figures after recent investments in a range of finishing equipment
Portsmouth-based commercial printer, Bishops Printers, has detailed its latest output and productivity figures, following a range of significant kit investments.
An average annual investment of £2.3m has been made over the past three years, in order to modernise Bishops’ equipment, enhance production efficiency, and reinforce its ability to deliver reliable output at high quality and speed.
The company has consistently improved its machine arsenal in that time, including replacing a B3 HP Indigo 7800 with a B2 HP Indigo 100K in 2023. This year, Bishops turned its attention to further enhancing its print finishing department.
The family-run firm, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, made recent investments in equipment including a Müller Martini six-station stitcher with a cover feeder, three Heidelberg Stahlfolder RFH-66s with Palamides stackers, an additional Stahlfolder Ti 52, and a new guillotine.
Speaking exclusively to Print Monthly, Bishops has now revealed its productivity figures following its latest equipment investment.
According to the company, the investment in the Müller Martini stitcher has aided an uplift in Q1 stitching productivity of 42%, compared to Q1 2024. The increase has been credited to the extra speed and efficiency delivered by the newer machine, combined with more uptime due to fewer repairs needed.
As a business overall, the number of printed sheets is up 9.5% in 2025 so far, compared to the same period in 2024.
Productivity gains as a result of the investments in the folding department are yet to be fully realised but are reportedly already at just under 2%.
Speaking to Print Monthly about the company’s plans for the future, Rachael Mundy, marketing manager at Bishops, says: “In terms of additional investment, we’re in the process of spending roughly £80K in IT infrastructure renewals and replacements, which are ongoing for Q2.
“We usually wait until the summer before looking at additional capital investment for Q4. That said, there are no current plans while we wait for wider economic circumstances to settle down.”
The output figures were gathered by Bishops’ production director, Paul Cull, who oversaw the machine investments and installations. Highlighting the work of the company’s finishing team, Cull says: “Our people are at the heart of Bishops' investment strategy.
“Our finishing operators are highly skilled and adaptable, allowing us to flex with the demands of each job. Providing training on state-of-the-art equipment in a modern, well-equipped factory not only strengthens our capabilities but also instils a strong sense of professional pride in our team.”
Bishops' workforce has grown to nearly 200, supporting a reported annual turnover of just over £25m. The company remains on track for a steady 5-6% growth, which it credits to its strategic investment and commercial management.
