Merger makes DTP Southfield Scotland’s largest digital print and bespoke gift producer
There’s a new name on the bespoke card, gift and stationery front with the merger of Midlothian-based Southfield Stationers and Edinburgh printer Digital Typeline Publications to form DTP Southfield.
Bringing together the two skilled teams to create a 20-strong experienced workforce, DTP Southfield will be moving from the businesses’ current two locations to a 20,000 sq ft former Inveresk paper mill building in Musselburgh, with the assistance of East Lothian Council helping to facilitate future employment opportunities and other benefits to the local economy.
Heading up the new operation is DTP managing director Alun Joseph, who said: “I’m excited we have merged with a company we have known and trusted for many years. The Southfield name is well respected in the market and I look forward to taking it forward.
“We will be growing our new facility and product range over the coming months and years while continuing to look after our existing customers with the level of service and all the products they know us for today.”
Family-owned DTP has almost 40 years’ experience in print having been formed as a High Street photo-processing lab in 1983 and turned to digital print in 1994. A market leader in digital print service, DTP produces high-quality digital print with the ability to enhance print items with metallic, white and neon pink print as well as bespoke foiling, digital die-cutting and short-run creative packaging.
Southfield Stationers has been providing a wide range of paper and stationery products for over 40 years, expanding its offering of gift items for the past two decades to become one of the premier suppliers of bespoke products to retailers around the UK.
Existing customers – especially greeting card and gift shops, artists and those in the hospitality sector – have already expressed interest in the new products and possibilities from DTP Southfield, with their first outing at Spring Fair 2022 bringing the newly-merged business and their extensive range of print services to many other retailers’ and publishers’ attention.
Derek Muller, who is standing down as managing director of Southfield Stationers, added: “As everyone became tired of seeing the same mass-produced products on display in every High Street across the UK, we created a range of high-quality, bespoke giftware for UK retailers.
“We have always provided retailers with products that will stand out from the crowd, and all made in the UK. We also work with a lot of artists directly, working closely with them and their original artwork to create beautiful, hand-made gift ranges.
“I am proud of what we have built over the last 45 years and believe the Southfield name and loyal customers will be looked after and continue to grow in the hands of Alun who will now lead the merged business.”
Top: New beginnings for Alun Joseph and DTP Southfield in Musselburgh
