Superior
Bindery moving to bigger headquarters “We are moving into an 80,000 square foot building that will more than double our production area, and allow us to handle work in a much more efficient manner.” said Donald Charlebois, president and owner of Superior Bindery. “Also, the move to Braintree will put us closer to the center of our customer base, making it easier for customers to get jobs into and out of the plant.” Charlebois said that in addition to more production space, a significant upgrade in the new building will be an expansion of Superior’s shipping and receiving area from one bay to six. The move is scheduled to happen this month. While Charlebois and his management team expect a smooth transition, they plan to operate out of the two facilities until the move is complete. “There is no way all of the equipment can be moved, installed and operational in one day,” he said. “We plan to be operational in Braintree on Oct. 16 if final building inspection approvals are made on time, and slowly phase out the operation in Hingham. “Our customers will not be affected in any way, other than once we’re fully relocated, they should see even faster turn around from the time we accept their work for binding and finishing until the time we deliver a completed job.” Superior Bindery, which Charlebois started in 1990 as its first employee, has been located in Hingham since 1995, and has spread its operation to two buildings. The company has 62 full-time employees. “We have 24,000 square feet of space at our main building at 80 Sharp St., and another 18,000 at 72 Sharp St., but being under one roof in Braintree is going to be incredibly more efficient,” Charlebois said. New equipment Another new piece of equipment will be a Bielomatic automatic wire-o binding machine, which will increase processing work tenfold. “We want to be able to accommodate our customers’ requests for more mechanical binding capability, and the Bielomatic will give us a decided advantage in that process,” the owner said. Other new capital investments include an upgrade and expansion of Superior’s cutting systems, and new Stahl folders. Charlebois said he’s been planning for two or three years to find larger quarters for his growing company, but it took a while to find the right facility. Space needs became a greater concern after Superior added die cutting, laminating and other services to its menu. “We’re operating out of two separate buildings, and that is not efficient,” he said. “Customers will notice improved productivity and greater efficiency.” The new building affords Superior space to create a comfortable customer lounge for customers who travel to the plant. They will be able to connect to the Internet, check email, conduct other business and relax while there. “We strongly encourage customers to come by,” he said. “We want to make customers more comfortable.” Superior closed on the deal in February. Interior renovations of the new space began in June. “We’re on one level. We’ll be centrally located to Interstates 95, 93 and Route 128,” Charlebois said. “We’ll have easy access to all the major highways that serve the region, and customers will have easy access to us.” The owner doesn’t anticipate expanding the workforce in the short-term. “Long-term, the plan is to grow and add employees, but for the next six to 12 months, we’ll want to get settled into our place and get a handle on our workflow. So for now, I don’t anticipate hiring additional staff.” The company’s new address will be 1 Federal Drive in the Campanelli Industrial Park in Braintree. The building is near two Superior clients. “We’ll be a pitching wedge from the George H. Dean Company and a sand wedge from Protocol, a fulfillment company that does printing as well,” said Charlebois, an avid golfer. |
