Bluetree Group, a UK online print company, has installed a Renz Inline 500 Classic punching and binding machine at its production facility in Manvers, Rotherham. The investment is aimed at increasing automation and production efficiency, particularly for products such as photobooks, calendars, and wire-bound books.

Discussions between Bluetree Group and Renz UK began at the Hunkeler Innovation Days event in February 2025. The agreement was finalised in August following a visit to Renz’s headquarters in Germany. The machine is already operational and will be used to help meet increased demand during the company’s busiest period of the year.

In peak season, Bluetree expects the Renz Inline 500 Classic to handle the production of up to 35,000 calendars per week. The company currently has a turnover of £60 million and employs 320 staff, with 250 based in production roles.

The deal follows the announcement earlier this year that Plockmatic Group has signed an agreement to acquire Renz, a move intended to expand Plockmatic’s product range into the wire binding market. Renz has subsidiaries in the UK, Australia, Argentina, and Turkey. The transaction is expected to be completed in the near future.

Mark Young, managing director of Bluetree Group, said: “The acquisition of Renz by Plockmatic Group has further cemented our great, long-standing relationship. It provides reassurance thanks to a great support network behind the companies. We did look at competitors, but Renz offered by far the best solution and we felt it is best to stick with the people we know well. Our investment plan was built around the fact we are now approaching our busiest three months of the year – and the Renz Inline 500 Classic will be crucial to our success.”

Iain Bullock, managing director of Renz UK, said the agreement demonstrates the company’s focus on supporting its clients with quality equipment and service. Renz recently opened a new showroom at Morgana Systems in Milton Keynes as part of its ongoing business development within the Plockmatic Group.

Plockmatic’s UK general manager Ed Hudson said the acquisition of Renz and its integration into the wider group will support ongoing efforts to deliver cost-effective and technically robust solutions across its customer base.