A move during containment
The last time we heard from Vilains Voisins was in May 2019. At that time, the company was called Binet.works (formerly the Binet printing works) and had just completed an expansion of its premises. One year later, Binet.works became Vilains Voisins, and as the expansion was not enough, the print shop/graphic design studio moved to a new location, still in Rethel in the Ardennes.
"?Le moving had been planned since November, but we got the keys on March 15th, just before lockdown. So we took advantage of that time to déménager?." explains Jeremy Paquet, the manager of the printing plant.
With the development of its activities, the recruitment of personnel, and the increase of its means of production, the company needed a suitable building.
The new premises include the DTP, printing and large-format sections. The company now has 4 employees: a workshop manager who manages the printing and large format, a DTP person, a receptionist, and the manager, a multimedia graphic designer by training. Vilains Vilains Voisins also collaborates with several freelancers: illustrator, designer, web developer, and poseur for large format.
The printer is holding up rather well despite the health crisis and the temporary halt of its activity linked to the cultural and events sector. On the other hand, it was unable to organize an inauguration following the move. "?Aujourd 'today, our customers don't know our new structure?." ...regrets Jeremy Paquet. However, the inauguration should take place in September.
Why the name Vilains Voisins??
The name Vilains Voisins was chosen by the company to highlight the notions of rurality and proximity," explains Jeremy Paquet :
"?Le term Neighbors came to us before the move, when we were in two buildings side by side. But it mostly refers to the rural aspect, to the proximity. Our customers are also our neighbours, even though our circle is getting wider and wider. As for Vilains, it was the name given to the peasants during the Middle Ages, so always in the spirit of proximity and rurality.?»
In 2017, Jérémy Paquet bought the Binet printing works, which had been established in Rethel for more than 30 years. He then redirects the activity towards graphic design while maintaining the printing service.
"?Notre goal - especially because we are in a rural area - was to provide our customers with a solution from A to Z, from conception to realization. Today, we go from the design of a graphic identity to the printing of business cards and the installation of enseigne?".
The printing company works with about 90% of companies, particularly in the cultural sector, while continuing to provide a reprographic service for individuals.
Vilains Voisins has recently invested in a new Xerox digital press, equipped with finishing options (tri-blade), a new cutter, an Epson plotter for large format, plotter for cutting, lamination, etc.. In 2021, the company plans to acquire a milling machine.
