Solopress has launched Forge, a new trade print platform for verified printers, resellers, brokers and print managers.
Unveiled at The Print Show 2026, Forge received a strong response from trade customers interested in faster quoting, exclusive trade pricing and a more direct route into Solopress production.
The platform has been developed to address a familiar challenge in trade print: how to quote more work, protect margins and access supplier capacity without relying on public ecommerce product pages or exposing trade pricing.
Available only to approved trade customers, Forge gives members access to exclusive pricing that is not visible publicly. Users can apply their own margin, generate branded quotations and order through Solopress production, using the company’s scale and capacity as an extension of their own business.
Forge supports both spec. first and artwork first ordering. Trade customers can build jobs from practical print requirements such as size, stock, finish, binding, page count and quantity, or begin by uploading artwork. The platform can then identify the product and specification from the artwork file.
In addition to representing a new model for traditional ink on paper procurement, Forge also hosts a vast range of customisable promotional products beyond those offered publicly at
solopress.com.
Built in artwork tools help users identify potential file issues before ordering, reducing manual checking and helping lower the risk of avoidable errors and reprints. Forge also supports more complex requirements, including multiple versions and delivery locations.
Orders placed through Forge are produced by Solopress, with white label fulfilment available so trade customers can supply their clients without Solopress branding appearing in the delivery.
Simon Cooper, CEO at Solopress, said:
“Online print has been shaped for more than a quarter of a century by product pages, search engines and e-commerce journeys built for general buyers. That model has worked very well, but it does not always reflect the way many professional print buyers need to source, quote and order work.
“Forge gives verified trade customers a different route. They can start with the spec. or the artwork, access exclusive trade pricing, build quotes quickly and order through Solopress production while keeping control of their customer relationship.
“The response at The Print Show confirmed how strongly that need is felt across the trade.”
Graham Hunstone, Head of Partnerships at Solopress, said:
“One of the most powerful things about Forge is that it lets printers and resellers keep their customer, keep their brand and decide their own selling price and margin, while having Solopress production behind them.
“For approved trade customers, there is no licence fee, no monthly subscription and no setup charge. Forge gives them a way to use our production capability almost like their own production hub, whether they need to quote faster, take on work beyond their own kit or support customers with a broader print offer.”
Forge forms part of Solopress’ continued investment in trade services, procurement solutions and partnership led growth. Alongside its established Solopro account management service, the platform gives print professionals a digital route into Solopress’ high volume production operation, with human support available when needed.
Trade customers can apply for access at
forge.1450.io.
www.solopress.com