Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Book Production Solutions
Established over two centuries ago, we are a market-leading book production specialist with a rich heritage in delivering high-quality publishing solutions. Our expertise spans book manufacturing, digital services, and comprehensive supply chain management, serving trade, academic, education, and independent publishers across the UK. With strategic investments in advanced printing technologies, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to meet evolving industry demands. Our dedicated account management ensures personalized support, while real-time systems enable efficient stock monitoring and distribution.We pride ourselves on offering tailored pre-retail services, including bespoke packaging and creative solutions, to help books stand out in a competitive market. As a major employer with over 819 staff, we maintain a 14-acre production site capable of handling 60,000 orders annually, printing 165 million books each year. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our long-standing partnerships with leading publishers and active involvement in industry organizations such as BIC and Byte the Book.
Services
Book Production
Creative Consultancy
Supply Chain Management
Pre-Retail Services
Indie Printing
Metadata Solutions
Editorial Design
Distribution
E-Solutions
Bespoke Packaging
Highlights and features
- We have over 200 years of experience in book production
- We print 165 million books annually
- We offer dedicated account management for personalized support
- Our real-time systems enable stock monitoring and efficient distribution
- We provide comprehensive pre-retail and supply chain solutions
What people say
Delighted with the finished product
Quality of the books is far beyond
Friendly, kindly service
Perfect production quality
Excited to see their beautiful books
Services
Book Production
Clays specializes in monochrome paperbacks and hardbacks, offering wire-stitching, perfect binding, and sewing services with diverse cover finishes. Our facilities handle urgent print requests and real-time stock monitoring, ensuring efficient production and reliable delivery for publishers. With 165 million books printed annually, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to meet diverse publishing needs.
Creative Consultancy
Our consultancy services provide project management and creative support to navigate complex book production challenges. We offer dedicated account management from enquiry to delivery, helping publishers develop unique cover designs and text solutions. Industry involvement through BIC and other organizations ensures we stay at the forefront of publishing trends and innovations.
Supply Chain Management
Clays optimizes publishing supply chains by consolidating new titles and managing backlist inventory to reduce risk and costs. Our IT integrations provide full stock visibility, while strategic distribution minimizes time-to-market. This approach lowers transport costs, improves carbon footprint efficiency, and ensures guaranteed supply for publishers.
Pre-Retail Services
We offer bespoke pre-retail solutions including sticker application, shrink-wrapping, slipcases, and signed copy insertion to enhance book presentation. Our team works closely with publishers to develop tailored packaging solutions that commercially benefit their titles. These services help books stand out in competitive retail environments while maintaining quality standards.
Indie Printing
Clays provides dedicated printing services for independent publishers, offering the same quality and support as major publishing houses. Our indie solutions include print-on-demand options, personalized account management, and guidance through the production process. Testimonials highlight our commitment to exceptional quality and customer service for self-published authors.
Questions
What services does Clays offer to publishers?
Clays provides book production, digital solutions, supply chain management, pre-retail services, and bespoke packaging tailored to trade, academic, education, and indie publishers' needs.
How can indie publishers request a quote?
Indie publishers can request a quote through Clays' online form or contact their sales team directly via email or phone for personalized assistance.
Does Clays handle urgent print requirements?
Yes, Clays' sophisticated capacity planning enables rapid response to urgent print requests, ensuring timely delivery for unexpected demand.
What markets does Clays serve?
Clays serves trade, academic, education, and independent publishing markets across the UK, with a focus on quality and reliability.
Reviews (1)
A. B.
May 27, 2021
Report
It is what it is Keeps local people employed but the county council are a shambles 600 jobs and all they can do is try to get in the way. Thank god for the Italian owners.
