51 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 357 - November | December 2025 increasing utilisation of available resources, and minimising production waste are all important considerations to the overall environmental footprint of printers.” Through MAPP’s market knowledge, technical expertise, and wide product portfolio, the company aims to give printers the tools to both improve their performance, and support their ESG and CSR goals. “We also maintain regular contact with our customers,” Clarke explains, “in order to ensure we stay ahead of their needs and anticipate challenges they may face in the future. When you consult with customers in this way, the relationship often goes beyond business, and that way friendships are forged.” MAPP is working to increase its product portfolio, including adding more products within its private-brand Performance Line. The company is also collaborating with a number of industry experts to develop bespoke solutions such as its Flex Die high-quality flexible dies for label printing. “The addition of SmartSupply is another development that our customer base has responded strongly to,” Clarke adds. “This enables them to electronically and automatically maintain control of their stocks of consumables and for us to ensure customers never run out of all important products and solutions that they use every day to keep their pressrooms working at full capacity.” Summing up how he feels MAPP’s approach as a supplier has led to its success, Clarke concludes: “The fact we have so much repeat business, coupled with positive customer testimonials that generate word-of-mouth leads, is testament to the success of how we approach the market.” Global Reach Sandon Global is a manufacturer and supplier of anilox rolls, anilox sleeves, and cylinders used in both flexographic and lithographic print. Exporting to more than 70 countries, the ISO 9001 accredited company focuses on setting high standards in its engineering, research, and product quality. Jake Roberts, sales director at Sandon Global, explains the company’s approach, saying: “Every anilox sleeve, roller, mandrel, and end ring is manufactured and assembled in-house at our UK site in Runcorn, UK, giving us full control over materials, tolerances, and finishes.” According to Roberts, the role of suppliers has shifted towards a greater emphasis on collaboration across the entire print supply chain. As he asserts: “Customers increasingly expect suppliers to work together – from press and plates to anilox, inks, doctor blades, tapes, and beyond – to deliver integrated solutions. “At Sandon Global, we embrace this through joint project work with OEMs and industry leading partners, ensuring measurable improvements in print performance. Our dedicated R&D print demonstration centre means we can work with both suppliers and customers to test, trial, and refine solutions.” This collaborative approach, reflective of the collaboration seen in the wider print industry, aims to not only support customers and partners but also to help drive innovation. As Roberts highlights: “We focus on open communication and trust, which is why many of our partnerships have lasted decades. “Our customers also view Sandon Global anilox as long-term assets rather than consumables, thanks to their proven durability and consistent performance. With the right care, our products deliver reliable results for years, building lasting value into every customer relationship.” Roberts suggests taking an active part in the industry can help to find the right supplier for you, rather than simply searching online. Sandon is itself an active member A 2023 survey of UK companies across all sectors found that 48% outsourced some form of work 48% ▲ MAPP supply global brands including Presstek printing presses and Rotoflex finishing solutions Being a supplier today means being a trusted partner every step of the way. Customers rely on us not just for products, but for our expertise and guidance WORKING WITH SUPPLIERS | JONATHAN PERT
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