www.calf-hey.com

Why are we called Calf Hey?
The company was started as a 'one man band' in a small rural village in West Yorkshire. To accommodate the first labelling machine, it was decided to move to a new house with a reasonably sized garage. A good number of houses in the area had names dating back many years. A property called 'Calf Hey' was for sale and it was planned to buy this property and start the business here, hence the name. ('Hey' is apparently an old Saxon word meaning 'Hedge' - the village also boasts a house called 'Lamb Hey'). In fact, at the last moment the required planning permission was refused, due to road width restrictions, but the business name stayed.

Why are we Trade Only Printers?
Trying to establish a business from nothing, with virtually no work to start producing, it was going to be difficult to run a printing machine and look for printing work. Having many friends and colleagues in the printing industry, it was decided to concentrate on printing labels and supplying them at keen 'trade only' prices. This allowed these contacts to do the selling and make a respectable 'mark-up' on the way. This policy has been continued throughout the history of Calf Hey, and ensures that any enquiries / orders channelled to us can never be 'switched' directly to us by cutting out the 'middle man' printer.

Why Calf Hey 'Design' & 'Rotary'?
For the first few years, all our production was based on Hot Foil printing. This was ideal for cost effective labels of many types but due to not being able to match Pantone colours or include halftone screens we knew we were missing out on some enquiries. We therefore invested in our first Rotary Letterpress machine, to enable us to offer a wider range of products. We soon found that the two methods of production justified their own 'identity' with each having a dedicated team of people specializing in their particular range of products. However they are sister companies and often work together on projects for customers. Indeed, our Company Manager in 'Rotary' spent some years involved in the Hot Foil company. This has given us the ability to look at each enquiry as it is received and offer quotations from either company, depending on which will give the best product price, quality and service.

What Studio Services are available?
There is a full design studio available to all Calf Hey customers that uses MAC. We are able to supply artwork in digital format from your artwork files on e-mail. If you have any queries about supplying or producing artwork for Calf Hey we will gladly advise you on how to get the best from your designs.