Roland DG business manager for signs and graphics Rob Goleniowski said: “The team at Sprint Solutions has extensive experience in the industry and strong regional knowledge, which we believe will help Roland further build its profile and reputation in Scotland.”

Sprint Solutions (Scotland), based in Kirkintilloch, was established two years ago by Neil Mellis and Andrew Watson. Its new new wide-format and graphical consumables division, Sprint Direct, will be headed up by Angela McInally.

Sprint Direct will operate out of its parent company’s new offices and showroom, and offer a full range of Roland’s wide-format machines and demonstration facilities. 

“The market is big and likely to get bigger,” said McInally. “Traditional litho printers are going down the route of short-run print jobs because they can see there's money to be made. But it's not just printers we are targeting - plant hire companies, architects, even Mr Smith keen to start up a business.

“Companies such as plant hire firms are buying Rolands to print their own products and keep things in-house to save money.”

The company is due to hold a two-day open house on 19 and 20 November and will demonstrate Roland DG kit including the VersaSTUDIO BN-20 and VersaCAMM SP-540i and the latest VersaCAMM VS-540i. 

McInally said she hoped to attract at least 40 businesses.

Meanwhile Roland is to hold a series of free ‘Better Business Boot Camps’ for its recently launched VersaUV LEF-20 desktop flatbed UV printer.

Initially launched last year following the VersaSTUDIO BN-20 launch, the events aim to help customers and potential buyers get the most out of the equipment. 

The LEF-20 events are aimed at pad and screen printers, sign shops, gift, novelty and engraving shops as well as all those considering new business opportunities or portfolio expansion.

The events are scheduled for 22 November, and 10 and 30 January 2014 at Roland’s Clevedon headquarters.