Opus spreads its wings with global print alliance

International borders are no obstacle for Opus Print Group’s new global content delivery as US-based Sheridan Group joins the publishing market force.

According to Cliff Brigstocke, Opus Group CEO, an agreement for the Alliance’s international Content Delivery Alliance (CDA) system was formalised just three weeks ago. Talks with the North American print provider have been taking place for some time.

“We really needed Sheridan to complete the Americas component of our offer. It is the missing element that brings together an international solution,” he says.

The Sheridan Group joins foundation partners Hobbs the Printers and MPG Books Group that delivers for the UK and Europe, with the OPUS operations handling the Asia Pacific region from its facilities in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Alongside the Content Delivery Alliance, OPUS’ long-standing partnership with Hung Hing in China broadens the print group’s global delivery options to 27 facilities with over 600,000sqm of factory space and over 14,000 staff.

CDA offers the option of producing short-run work on-shore for time sensitive production in the respective countries or for less time sensitive products, work can be printed out of the OPUS-owned longer-run facility in Singapore and shipped out as time requires.

Brigstocke (pictured) says the alliance has been very careful with selecting its partners. The key is a strong digital investment, particularly around the front-end and automation of workflows. CDA partners provide publishers with easy access to seamless digital and traditional supply chain solutions across the globe linked by an electronic data interface.

“Like the other partners, a key factor for us is a full service offering including offset, sheet-web and importantly the ability to finish inhouse. But it’s not just about the technology and the infrastructure; company culture and the people are also important.

“A big part of the alliance is that we have gone a long way to make sure the fit is right between the cultures, which included trips to the Americas. Sheridan joined us at the book fair in London,” he says.

OPUS’s attendance at the 2011 London Book Fair generated great interest for the consolidated regional and global offer, particularly the alliance’s ability to produce full service print-on-demand.

Brigstocke maintains the alliance will remain with this stable of international members for the time being, as the focus turns towards delivery. “We are going into an implementation period now. We have a lot of global clients for the CDA and we want to focus on them now,” he adds.

The original strategic partnership was formed six months ago when the two British printers, Hobbs the Printers and MPG Books Group joined with Opus.

John Saxton, CEO of the Sheridan Group says the partnership will fulfil an increasing customer need to have content produced closer to the end user. “As publishers continue to experience international growth, they are looking for ways to more effectively manage their distribution.

“With this alliance, The Sheridan Group can now print our customers’ products closer to their ultimate destination, thereby reducing the time and the cost of overseas distribution,” says Saxton.