Perfection in print
With a strong track record in the Irish market since 1996, CUBE’s focus on specialisation and investment in the latest technologies has ensured it stays competitive
When computer giant
Dell decided to move its manufacturing from Limerick to Poland in 2009, it was a blow to print company CUBE. However, managing director Brendan Ring quickly went about implementing a strategy to take the business in a new direction.
“I had a vision in my mind and built a team around that ensuring that everyone bought into the concept,” he says. “Our turnover reached €3m in 2017 and we are on target to where we want to go right up to 2020.”
Specialising in the printing of instructions for use (IFU) booklets and product information leaflets for the medical devices, pharmaceutical and technology sectors, CUBE currently employs 30 people at its facility in Eastway Business Park, Limerick. It also serves the hospitality, sporting and general print markets.
“When we lost Dell as a client, I could see the potential in the medical devices sector. We won a contract with one company and built on that since,” says Ring.
CUBE’s collaborative approach with customers means the company can seamlessly integrate into its customers’ supply chain. This leads to increased operational productivity and efficiency for its clients.
“What sets us apart as a printing company is our experience of finite justin-time supply chain models,” says Ring. “From our computer days, we have always been focused on products and leaflets arriving at the same time for clients. We are bringing this invaluable knowledge to the medical devices and pharmaceutical sectors.”
At present, CUBE’s largest customer in
“What sets us apart as a printing company is our experience of finite just-in-time supply chain models”
the medical devices sector is Cook Medical, which has embraced the company’s ‘print-on-demand’ logistical model. “We supply Cook Medical every day, not a week or two weeks ahead. The smart system we operate reduces the minimum amount of stock required, saving time, energy, costs and warehouse space.”
Last year, CUBE collaborated with Cook Medical to install a high-tech inspection and verification system at its facility to improve the quality process and ensure every single item manufactured is 100% perfect every time. “If an IFU booklet with a catheter, for example, isn’t 100% accurate, a recall could cost a medical devices company a massive amount,” Ring explains.
“Our bespoke management information system helps us to manage inventories, the manufacturing process and deliveries online,” adds Ring. “We are currently developing an app that will allow customers to find out where their job is on our system.”