York Media Expands with New Unit and Second Web on the Way
Hanger Three will be home to York Media's second high-pagination web press
York Media is expanding into a second neighbouring unit and has acquired another high-spec Lithoman web press alongside additional post-press kit.
The start-up printed its inaugural print job in Q4 2024, and has been printing in earnest since the start of this year.
CEO Linda Boyes told Printweek that the second press was also a Manroland Lithoman IV 72pp-80pp model, but with some "unique features".
Details about where it has been sourced from are currently under wraps due to commercial confidentiality.
Two inserting lines and two high-speed stitching lines also form part of the circa-£7m investment. York Media already runs a Muller Martini Corona C12 perfect binder and two Prima Plus stitchers.
York Media currently operates from 'Hanger One' at the Airfield Industrial Park at Elvington, near York. The firm has now agreed terms for an additional 2,700sqm unit, 'Hanger Three' which is located just around the corner.
"We've been encouraged by existing clients to offer stitching and inserting, and ultimately we are gearing up long-term to have a commercial division and a publications division," Boyes explained.
"We expect the new press to be up and running by July next year for testing and customer trials, and be ready for the busy September season."
She said part of the investment would be financed by the firm's own cashflows, and part of it would be financed.
The new press will increase the firm's firepower and effectively double its output capabilities.
Production director Russell Smith has been promoted to managing director as part of the expansion plans.
Russell Smith (left) with production and facilities manager Terry Allen
"We're here to stay and we're expanding, and we're expanding because clients are asking us to expand," Boyes stated.
"I want to say a huge thank-you to the customers that moved their jobs to us and put their faith in York Media UK in its first year."
Boyes also lauded her team, which she described as "absolutely amazing".
"The people I'm working with have gone all out to set this first factory up. There's a family feel and it's a real team effort, with everyone working together."
York Media currently employs 58 and will take on additional employees as the expansion takes shape.
Boyes said the firm's order book had grown to just under £11m since the start of the year.