The technical event production group has invested in a Mimaki UJV55-320 UV LED 3.2m-wide roll-to-roll printer and a 1.6m-wide UCJV300-160 UV LED 1.6m with built-in cutter.

The two machines were installed by reseller CMYUK at ETG’s Set.Build.Create operation in Bracknell, Berkshire. They joined an existing Mimaki flatbed.

Set.Build.Create is the design and production arm of the group, which also consists of Aker; Dobson Sound; Fisher Hires; Fisher Productions; Visions; and Visions Power.

As well as designing and producing exhibition stands, large-format print, and experiential services set for theatres and stages for external clients, the operation is the in-house production facility for the group companies.

The seven channel 25.8sqm/hr Mimaki UCJV300-160 UV LED printer/cutter was installed at the end of August.

While the machine was a like-for-like replacement for a 1.6m-wide HP Latex printer and an aging Mimaki cutter, the firm said its ability to print white and clear would open a number of new applications.

The similarly seven channel 110sqm/hr Mimaki JV55-320 3.2m-wide roll-to-roll, installed at the start of August, was additional to bring the production of soft-signage in-house to reduce costs and ramp-up turnarounds and also potentially add it as a trade service itself.

“We print soft signage/textile left, right, and centre, and were keen to increase efficiencies that the tight deadlines of live events dictate,” said ETG founder and CEO Chris Norman.

“We were spending thousands outsourcing. We were finding that clients’ artwork at times required really short timelines that meant they had to be printed last minute. We could then be faced with rush charges, you can find you’re paying out up to £5 per square metre, which when you’re printing at volume really adds up.

“By bringing a 3.2m printer in-house, we can work up to the wire, not be beholden to anyone else’s time agendas, and importantly for the client, stay within an acceptable budget.”