CWE Solutions installs fourth HP printer at Sign Wise

CWE Solutions has supplied Reading based sign-maker, Sign Wise (UK) Ltd, with an HP Scitex FB500 flatbed printer.  This is the fourth HP machine that Sign Wise has purchased from CWE Solutions since June 2012 and adds to a line-up that includes a HP L26500 and two HP Z6200s

Gerry Poulton who runs Sign Wise with his wife Pauline, has enjoyed dealing with CWE Solutions.  He says, “CWES were keen to understand my company and what we wanted from our machines.  Nothing has been too much trouble for them and I always feel that they are there for me on the other end of the phone should I need them. “

Gerry confirms that business is booming at the Reading based company and says that turnover increased in the last year by 25%.  The company has built a strong business reputation in the local area and has concentrated efforts on providing a fast and reliable service to the trade customers that account for 80% of the company's business.

Gerry explains, “Other printers outsource their more complicated and larger jobs to us and we have created a niche by being helpful, adaptable and willing to try new things and find solutions.”

Investment in new technology is key to meeting the demands of Sign Wise customers who expect a great finish in a short timeframe. As Gerry explains, “There isn’t much margin for error, we are all working at speed to deliver on time every time.  It’s what our customers need to satisfy their customers.  We need reliability from our machines and HP provides that.”

Sign Wise decided to invest in the new HP Scitex FB500 despite already owning an Oce flatbed.  Gerry considered a range of models when making this latest investment and was attracted to the HP machine not only for its reputed reliability but also for the superior board handling it provides at larger sizes, “We have been getting requests for larger and more complex signs being printed on a diverse range of materials and needed to upgrade to the HP Scitex FB500 as it easily handles 3m lengths and unusual substrates.”

An ideal machine for experimenting, the HP Scitex FB500 can print on a range of substrates including imperfect boards making it a good choice for the more unusual bespoke requests that Sign Wise receives.  In addition, the HP Scitex FB500 can be set to a multi-board simultaneous printing mode, further increasing the capacity of the machine and improving productivity.

The new machine is run on HP original inks which have been designed to adhere to a wide range of substrates and materials.  The price for installing the HP Scitex FB500 was also a major consideration for Gerry.  He says, “I couldn’t ignore the fact that the HP Scitex FB500 cost considerably less than the equivalent Oce machine.”

Part of that saving has been re-invested into standardising the software used to operate the machines at the Sign Wise plant.  After looking at various suppliers Gerry has again opted for CWE Solutions who are supplying the software and providing operator training and an unlimited support package.