The printing company Socosprint in Épinal invested in 2020 in a new Roland 700 offset press in 4 units + 1 varnishing unit configuration. The press, which replaced an old Roland press, was put into production in early September.
"This new press is equipped with a simultaneous unit makeready system that allows us to save on makeready time, explains Jean-François Barnet, president of the printing company. This aspect particularly appealed to the printer because of the evolution of the market towards small and medium runs.
A reorganization of the workshop
"This investment is part of a reorganization of the workshop, says Jean-François Barnet. The company previously had three presses: two Roland 700s and one Roland 500, but when the printer decided to change one of the Roland 700s, it was also time to part with the Roland 500.
"We were spreading our production over three machines and we decided to refocus our production on only two machines. This optimizes makeready times and avoids two plate formats.» This reorganization also allowed the printer to not replace a retiree. In early 2020, the company also acquired an MBO folder.
Created in 1976, Socosprint now has 37 employees. The printing company produces all types of communication media (brochures, posters, leaflets, etc.) and has also developed a more specific segment which is the printing, finishing and mailing of professional magazines (small and medium runs).
Formerly general manager, Jean-François Barnet bought the printing company in 2013 after the liquidation of one of the group's two sites, SB Imprimeurs, and the departure of then president Eric Staub. After a few years without investments to turn things around, Jean-François Barnet was able to restart investments in 2016.
The printing company has achieved a turnover of 4.8 million euros in 2019, and 3.9 million in 2020, a loss related to the health crisis.
