It's a wrap for Oasis at Blackberry HQ

A temporary rebranding of Blackberry's headquarter offices in Slough was undertaken to support the launch of Blackberry's flagship smartphone, the Z10.  Designed by Pope Wainwright and printed by Oasis Graphic Co, the rebranding was completed at midnight on 30th January 2013 and the graphics currently dominate the building - both inside and out.

The exterior vinyl wrap is UV Printed ContraVision One Way Vision Vinyl and larger than 11 cricket pitches. The light blue gradient print covers the office frontage from ground to roof. To the right of the frontage the two 9 metre tall images of the Z10, were UV printed vinyl overlays, profile cut to shape. The lettering for the marketing messages on the left were created from profile cut stock vinyl.

Dozens of interior graphics, also designed by Pope Wainwright and printed by Oasis, were installed throughout the building in lightboxes, on walls, on ferropaper and with liberal use of opaque matte black.

Oasis Graphic Co performed a comprehensive site survey in 2012/13, measuring and evaluating all the installation surfaces including the 60m x 12m exterior frontage. These precise measurements, together with recommendations for substrates and techniques were passed to the design studio Pope Wainwright, who created all of the designs.

In order to coincide with the tight release schedule, the Oasis installers worked around the clock, on two scissor lifts for 4 days, meticulously applying the graphics to the building. The design stipulated that the images of the Z10 had to be unbroken by the building's metal framework, so a great deal of care by Oasis' installers went into precisely wrapping the protruding metal with overlapping prints, making it disappear from view completely. The low temperatures and windy conditions made work harsh, but the right choice of materials meant that the graphics went up without a hitch.

With the release of the Z10, at 5pm on January 30th, Oasis' installers were ready to mount the 5m x 9m phone images, but needed to hold back until the phone was officially released. In a race to the finish, the team started on the phones at 5pm and mounted the final pieces just before midnight.

Watching the installation of the exterior wrap, Francesca Haywood, designer at Pope Wainwright was impressed with Oasis' dedication and attention to detail.  She says, "Working with Oasis from the outset helped this project come together smoothly and according to plan. Oasis' comprehensive site survey and material tests allowed us to confidently create the designs, knowing that they would be exactly reproduced as we intended. After the planning and design phase, the Oasis installers did an outstanding installation job inside and out, working in synchrony with the lighting technicians in the dark and the adverse weather to create make our vision a reality. Client satisfaction matters as much to Oasis as it does it to us, and the final results were very well received."

Hollanders to expand production capabilities for digital textile printing solutions

As part of its scheduled growth plans, Hollanders Printing Systems has agreed a new financial strategy which will enable the company to expand production capabilities for its industry leading wide-format digital textile printing solutions. Private investors Wout van der Wijk and Guy Zwart will strengthen the financial and operational structure at the Eindhoven-based independent system specialist. This bolsters the manufacture of the ColorBooster wide-format printer platform, complemented by the ColorFix fixation unit, the ColorWash washing machine and the ColorEdge cutting unit. New additions to the series will be launched throughout the year.

This new investment support is timed perfectly as Hollanders rolls out its latest technology for the textile production sector and, to help increase its market presence, the two entrepreneurs from The Netherlands are to play an active part in the running of the company. Wout van der Wijk is an expert in strategic business management while Guy Zwart has considerable knowledge of wide-format digital printing systems. These investment partners also bring practical support to Hollanders, which will be invaluable for the company’s continued planned growth and development of additional solutions.

The entrepreneurial activities provided by van der Wijk are strengthened by Zwart’s position as the new CEO of the company. Peter Hollanders becomes CTO, which enables him to concentrate on the realisation of new technologies for use in digital texting printing, and additional appointments include sales, service and support staff.

“Both investors saw immediately the enormous potential in the rapidly growing market for digital textiles, and fell in love with the Hollanders concept,” states Peter Hollanders. “We are ready to expand with exciting new machines for 2013 to complement the existing successful ColorBooster XL solution, and this injection of funds and practical involvement from van der Wijk and Zwart is perfectly timed for our future plans.”

“Hollanders Printing Systems is in the unique position of manufacturing its solutions in mainland Europe in an easily accessible location in terms of sales, service and logistics,” comments van der Wijk. “We are particularly impressed with the quality of the systems being produced here in The Netherlands, along with their environmental benefits. As investors, we are eager to be involved in the future growth of the company as demand increases for digital textile printing in the display, fashion, décor and industrial segments.”

Unlike other suppliers, Hollanders manufactures a complete turnkey system that encompasses all the hardware and software needed for printing digital textile applications. The company’s modular approach is designed to simplify all production processes and generate greener practices as the machines use less power and water than traditional systems, with waste being minimized. Collaborating with specialist partners in pre-press, color management, finishing and materials, the company’s Competence Center gives customers a complete understanding of how sustainability and effective work-flow combine to guarantee greater control over environmental performance and consistently accurate high quality output.

[photo shows Wout van der Wijk - one of the two private investors strengthening the financial and operational structure of Hollanders]

D-Signs gets off to a 'very positive start' with the support of Litho Supplies

Dan East established D-Signs in October 2012, after 17 years in the sign industry, and has enjoyed a steady and very positive start.  The first major decision he made for his start-up sign-making and graphics production company was to decide which printer would best meet his requirements.

He says, “After comparing the Seiko and Mutoh products, it became clear that the Seiko had the edge on speed but the Mutoh had the edge on quality, making the Mutoh the obvious choice for D-Signs. I already knew the ValueJet inside out having worked with one for six years and am really impressed with its performance, quality and versatility.”

With some family investment, which provided some security in the early stages of the business, D-Signs set up a workshop in the small town of Stowmarket in Suffolk. He adapted the building to provide a working area with a Kala Starter laminator and table and a separate office housing his desk, the Mutoh ValueJet 1614 and a Kona Cutter. The system was provided by Colourgen reseller, Litho Supplies, who Dan had an existing and strong relationship with.

Dan explains, “Both Litho and Colourgen have been very helpful through the selection and installation of the equipment set-up. I have worked with Litho for some time and completely trust their advice and guidance in this area. Once again they haven’t let me down. Colourgen has also been very responsive and professional in terms of getting me up and running and providing answers to any questions.”

He continues, “I have secured some good business in the first months, mainly through family and existing relationships and through word of mouth. The decision to take on the Mutoh is looking better each day as it can cope with anything I throw at it and it has the capacity to handle a lot more as the business grows. I have done some shop fronts, vehicle wraps, general signage and high quality, fast turnaround digital printing for trade customers.  I can offer a fast professional service at a great price because my overheads are relatively low.”

The Mutoh ValueJet 1614 64" (1625mm) is a 4-colour eco-solvent wide format printer that represents great value and all-round capabilities for the sign and display market. It has a top speed of 18m²/hour and the versatility to print on to coated or uncoated media, including soft sign textiles. D-Signs is using the printer with eco-solvent inks that mean it can be used in the normal office environment with no special ventilation. 

Dan concludes, “The Mutoh has been brilliant so far with no problems at all. It also goes hand in hand with the Kona cutter, which is a fast and accurate cutter that adds to the  broad range of applications that I can offer. It is early days, but I have already produced some good work and I am looking to building this over the coming months. I am very happy that I have made a great choice of both printing equipment and solutions providers.”

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.

Bladen Box installs Zund G3 cutter and streamlines processes

James Bladen founded Bladen Box in 2004.  Working alongside some big brands - including Next and Jaguar - the company grew from strength to strength and now manufactures all its box and display products in-house. 

The company creates bespoke displays and packaging solutions.  It has developed a strong portfolio of free-standing displays, dump bins, cardboard standees, counter display units and displays with shelves to help promote and maximise product impact instore.  It also produces Free Standing Display Units (FSDU’s) also known as Floor Standing Display Units and counter display units (CDU’s), book displays and DVD displays.

Bladen Box has totally embraced digital technology - from design to production and finishing.  The business recently purchased a Zünd G3 L-3200CVE16 machine with the capability of cutting, creasing, folding and more courtesy of the system's universal tool module. Bladen Box is also looking at additional Zund modules that will allow them to incorporate plastics and polypropylene into their product portfolio.

The Zünd flatbed cutter was installed mid-January 2013 by Zünd UK.  James Bladen comments, “The machine was up and running in a very short space of time and it hasn’t stopped since. We had confidence that we were in safe hands with the Zünd engineers, we trust them and we know that Zünd UK has a reputation for looking after customers for years down the line. We wanted that personal touch from a family-oriented business, like ourselves, and we feel we’ve had that and more already.”

Bladen opted for the integrated software Zünd CutCentre which allows it to create a complete streamlined workflow from printing on its Oce Arizona 360GT through to finishing and cutting on the Zünd G3L.  The whole system is digitised and prints can be tiled to make use of the full sheet and then cut to size. Bladen Box has noticed a 20% saving on materials so far based on this new process. In addition, they’ve noticed a much quicker turnaround in job times as previously the printing and cutting would be done separately. As the prints are coming off the printer, they are being processed by the cutter immediately so the job is done in real time and on demand.

“The process has totally revolutionised the way Bladen Box works and we are have changed our processes as a result â€" saving time, energy and money â€" which in turn will have a positive knock on result for our clients.”

Peter Giddings, Sales Director at Zünd UK comments, “Bladen Box is a great example of how a well-established packaging company, whose success is founded on printing and finishing packaging solutions to a high standard can, by embracing digital technology, open new markets and find cost savings in a very short space of time. We’re delighted they chose the Zünd G3 following an extensive period researching other models, and as always with our customers, we will work with them to ensure they achieve success with their new workflow.”

For more information on the Zünd G3, please visit www.zund.co.uk.

Digital print 'is the future' for Model Holding AG

Model Holding AG is the holding company of Model Group, a well established family owned business.  The company has been working alongside Fujifilm for a number of years and believes that - whilst presently only accounting for a small portion of its activities - digital print technology is very much the future.

Founded in 1882 as a small mill board factory, the company originally found its niche in the production of corrugated board and industrial packaging. Today Model Group is led by the fourth generation of the founder’s family and has his head office in Weinfelden, Switzerland, and over 16 subsidiaries and production sites spread across eight other countries in Europe.

Model Group is prominent in the packaging business and boasts more than 3000 employees, 550 of which are based in Weinfelden. In 2011, the group produced 619 million m2 of corrugated board, as well as 26,300 tonnes of cardboard packaging and 284,200 tonnes of container board.

The corporate HQ in Weinfelden is the flagship corrugated board plant. Here lies one of the company’s outstanding Innovation and Competence Centers (ICC), where all the technical expertise is directed into new packaging developments to keep Model at the forefront in its field.

Over the years Model has built a strong reputation in a variety of markets such as food & beverage, cosmetics and automotive. Blue-chip multinationals like Unilever, L’Oreal, Nestle’ and Kraft trust Model as a competent supplier able to satisfy the most demanding requests through a holistic and consultative approach.

Cardboard and corrugated board are treated as the raw materials for creative output at Model. The company offers a comprehensive range of services from design to manufacture, through the filling and set up of displays and boxes, and including the disposal and recycling of waste cardboard and corrugated board. Thanks to the perfect combination of substrates, print and finishing techniques, Model’s specialists can devise unique products to meet specific customer needs.

In the pursuit of flexibility

Model Group had historically based its production on offset and flexo equipment. Offline and in-line flexo machines are currently operating within the HQ but 10 years ago the ICC at Weinfelden started to investigate digital print, recognising that it was an up-and-coming production method. After initially outsourcing to a digital partner, in 2008 Model installed its first entry level inkjet flatbed device to cut its teeth with this technology.

Edoardo Finotti, head of Model ICC, explains, “In the last few years the importance of digital print has grown steadily. There is an increasing demand for short run and personalised products, as well as strong pressure to reduce costs; digital print perfectly suits those requirements. Model prides itself on being innovative and in tune with the market’s demands, and as a leading packaging manufacturer we didn’t want to lag behind in terms of digital innovation.”

Since 2008 Model has been monitoring the latest developments in digital printing in order to find the most productive, high quality and reliable technology to fulfil the high standards required by the packaging industry. It found the answer to these stringent demands in a wide-format flat-bed Inca Onset S40 inkjet printer supplied by Fujifilm.

“Quality is an undisputed priority for Model and we were extremely impressed by the photographic-like images delivered by the Onset S40. What’s more, this print engine is a workhorse which guarantees extraordinary productivity and fits perfectly into our workflow,” says Edoardo.

He adds, “The Onset S40 takes the flexibility typical of digital print to the highest level. This machine allows us to create limited and bespoke packs and displays with increased efficiency, as it doesn’t require set up times or prepress. It has helped us to diversify our production and has given us the opportunity to choose to go digital, whenever appropriate, depending on the job.”

The Inca Onset S40 prints at up to 470 m2/hr and provides ‘best-in-class’ quality and flexibility at a low cost per print. The Onset S40 can print directly onto substrates up to 50mm thick to create exquisite displays and packaging solutions. This digital inkjet flatbed platform meets high-volume and fast-turnaround production needs thanks to 168 user-replaceable printheads (28 per colour) on a full width print bar delivering a 27 picolitre drop size. These features, combined with Inca's precision ink drop placement, produce superb 600 dpi print quality with the option of four or six colours.

A brand new digital department

Following the purchase of the Onset S40 in May 2012, Model has built a dedicated digital department within its extensive plant in Weinfelden. Out of 20 operators working in print production, four have been allocated to the management of the S40 on a three shift basis. In addition, Model has recently invested in a Zund G3 digital cutting plotter which has been placed alongside the Onset S40.

Edoardo Finotti comments, “We are committed to achieving a fully automated and end-to-end digital workflow. We are focused on the fine tuning between print and finishing devices and currently we are using both the Zund digital cutting plotter and a traditional die cutting machine to keep up with different production requirements.”

What’s more, Model is working closely with Fujifilm as a beta site to test and help in the development of the company’s brand-new Uvijet OC inks for corrugated applications. Edoardo explains: “Fujifilm’s reputation in the R&D of advanced imaging and colour solutions is beyond compare. Its ongoing investment in the research of high performance inks and technologies was pivotal to our decision making process. We are pleased to be on the front line with Fujifilm to help in the formulation of the most appropriate inks for the extremely demanding packaging & display market.”

He adds, “Not only do Fujifilm’s Uvijet OC inks deliver excellent performance in the POP and display market, but also they represent a breakthrough in the packaging sector. We are working closely with Fujifilm to achieve the best possible quality and push the boundaries of these innovative inks to provide our customers with outstanding packaging solutions.”

A reputable brand and a digital future

Edoardo emphasises how Fujifilm’s service perfectly complements the unquestionable quality and productivity of the Onset S40. “Fujifilm is not only a leading supplier whose investments in technology improvements are endless and significant, but it’s also a flexible partner to work with. We have absolute confidence in the brand and the people behind it. Both the sales and technical managers have never let us down. Once, we experienced a problem on a Friday, with an urgent delivery on a Monday - Fujifilm’s service was prompt and we met our deadline.”

Thanks to its dynamic approach and the support of valuable suppliers such as Fujifilm, Model has a positive outlook on the future. Building on the introduction of the digital production department, the company has also launched a web to print platform called ‘Model Pack Shop’. This web-shop allows buyers to submit repeat orders quickly and efficiently through the simple scanning of QR codes placed on boxes and displays previously supplied by Model. Whether for short runs of standard packaging or more complex orders, Model Pack Shop is another digital route Model has embarked on.

Edoardo Finotti concludes, “For us, digital is the future. Today, digital print is nothing more than a small percentage of our business, while Model Pack Shop is just a tool within a traditional working environment. Nevertheless, we are confident both digital technologies will thrive as they are excellent solutions that allow us to compete in a fast evolving market.”

Mimaki solutions provided by GPT are 'a great asset' to FASTSIGNS Derby

In December 2009, Gill Brown became the Fast Signs’ network’s youngest franchisee. Previously a bid manager in the IT industry, Brown brought solid project management and sales skills to her new venture and - with a team of five staff - now runs the Derby branch of Fast Signs.

With a high street location, Fast Signs Derby serves a broad range of local clients. "Our business is not simply about selling signs," says Brown, "It's about giving our customers a positive experience. We listen to customers and aim to fully understand their requirements so that we can recommend the best possible solution from a broad range of options. We give customers a level of service that ensures we retain their loyalty and, most importantly, their future business. This is central to how we work."

As an example, a local hairdresser came with a very loose brief and through the company's in-house design service, a lot of listening and some intricate manufacturing, is now delighted with her salon's brushed stainless steel signage. "This particular client invested in a premium product that was never going to be the cheapest option, but was right for what they wanted," confirms Brown.

When it launched, Fast Signs Derby invested in a Mimaki JV33 outdoor durable printer, Mimaki CG-FX cutting plotter and Hybrid Titan laminator from reseller Graphic Printing Technologies (GPT).  Brown appreciated the franchise support and advice they received, drawing on the training and backup of a time served operation. "We were guided in the right direction," she recalls.  "The Mimaki has been a great asset to the business and GPT has been a supportive and very knowledgeable supplier."

This equipment has been used to fulfil a large contract for the Derbyshire Fire Service, producing and applying vehicle graphics to a fleet of 30 appliances and half wraps to additional ancillary vehicles in order to promote the organisation's current 'Think Sprinkler' campaign. A series of hard-hitting visuals were produced on the Mimaki JV33 printer before being laminated to protect them from the elements and abrasion.

Brown adds, "As a group, we are open to new ideas and are certainly not set in our ways. The team is always willing to consider new technologies, new opportunities and new ways of working. This has resulted in the business turning a profit, both for Fast Signs and our customers, despite the difficult trading conditions of recent times.”

She concludes, "The big contracts, such as the fire brigade, recent work for the National Trust and signage produced for a large care home group, pay well and bring in good business. But it is also the existing customers returning for more and helping the local businesses starting up that make this job so rewarding, interesting and, most of all, successful.”

For more information on Fast Signs Derby, please visit www.fastsigns.co.uk/886

The full range of Mimaki’s products is distributed in the UK and Ireland by Hybrid Services Ltd â€" www.hybridservices.co.uk

GPT’s homepage can be found at www.g-p-t.co.uk.
|