How One Printer Tackled the Olympics, PFW, and an Election ... All at the Same Time

In the world of commercial printing, last-minute high demand is something that can break a company. But Groupe Prenant just took gold in tackling not only the demands for the Olympics, but also Fashion Week, an unexpected election cycle, and regular clients — all while printing Christmas catalogues.

It does sounds like fiction, so I decided to find out what happened by speaking with Philippe Vanheste, Deputy General Manager at the Groupe Prenant.

The year was already set to be monumental with the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Groupe Prenant, though not an official sponsor, found itself at the heart of the action, producing materials for major brands like Coca-Cola and LVMH. The sheer volume of work, from brochures to placemats, was daunting. But its investment in cutting-edge solutions like Enfocus Switch, several Heidelberg devices, and the revolutionary Landa digital press enabled it to rise to the challenge.

As if the Olympics weren't enough, Paris Fashion Week brought another layer of complexity. The city's most glamorous event required a rapid turnaround of high-quality print materials for fashion houses and media outlets. Groupe Prenant's proximity to Paris played a crucial role, but it was its Landa printer paired with Enfocus Switch that made the real difference. Known for exceptional quality and speed, Landa allowed the company to deliver fresh, vibrant prints that captured the essence of Fashion Week every day in less than 12 hours.

Enfocus Switch provided the backbone of its prepress automation, streamlining workflows and ensuring that every piece of material was produced with precision and efficiency. This software allowed Groupe Prenant to manage high volumes and tight deadlines with ease, reducing the usual bottlenecks and ensuring timely deliveries.

Testing the Limits with Automation

Just when Groupe Prenant thought they had mastered the year's demands, the political landscape threw a curveball. The dissolution of the French Assembly, just one day after the elections, led to a sudden and urgent need for election materials. Hundreds of candidates required campaign posters, manifestos, and voting ballots — each with strict deadlines and compliance requirements. The company's prior investments in automation and advanced printing technology were about to be tested like never before.

With Enfocus Switch orchestrating the workflow and all its presses running at full tilt, Groupe Prenant managed to meet the political demand head-on. The automation capabilities ensured that even the smallest details were handled accurately, while the robust Landa printers churned out high-quality materials at an unprecedented pace.

The secret to Groupe Prenant's success during this tumultuous time wasn't just its advanced technology — it was the seamless integration of these tools with a dedicated and flexible workforce. Its employees, empowered by automation, could focus on quality control and creative problem-solving, ensuring that every client received nothing but the best.

As Groupe Prenant looks to the future, its focus remains on continuous improvement. Its recent investment in nanography technology underscores a commitment to maintaining its position at the forefront of the industry. By continually upgrading its capabilities, it ensures that it is always ready for whatever challenges come knocking at its door.

Groupe Prenant's journey through a year of unprecedented demands is a testament to its resilience and ingenuity. Its story is a powerful reminder that with the right blend of technology and human expertise, even the most chaotic times can be navigated successfully.