Arriving at GH Display’s Peterborough workshop yesterday (29 April), the new 3.2m soft signage printer is the product of a year-long search for the right machine according to Jenny Hodson, co-managing director of GH Display.
“It took quite a while to make the commitment, because it’s an entirely new skill that our team have to learn as well. It’s not just the capital investment,” Hodson told Printweek.
“It’s exciting, though – it should mean we really can do absolutely everything in-house now, and make us that ‘one-stop shop’ for all things exhibitions.”
The TS330-3200DS can print up to 55sqm/hr at 600x1,200dpi in standard mode, increasing to 90sqm/hr at 600x600dpi and 150sqm/hr for its 300x600dpi draft mode. GH Display purchased its model through wide-format supplier Soyang.
Bringing dye-sub work in-house will make a substantial contribution to GH Display’s bottom line, as stretch fabric signage makes up around 30% of the company’s turnover.
Of more immediate benefit in Hodson’s eyes, however, will be the ability to cut the firm’s turnaround times right down.
“We’re already really competitive in the marketplace on price, but this should give us the edge on turnaround times, and let us cut it down to three working days,” she said.
“At the moment, we can only offer five to seven days with those products that have outsourced print.”
The machine will likely be fully up and running by the end of May, along with a new sewing line purchased by the firm.
Mimaki’s latest flagship model, the TS330-3200DS is set to be fêted on the manufacturer’s stand (1.2-B20) at Fespa and a follow-up open day at UK distributor Hybrid Services’ Crewe showroom on 16 May, run by Soyang.
Nigel Briggs, senior business development manager at Soyang, told Printweek: “GH Display came to us to look at bringing dye-sublimation production in-house, rather than outsourcing it.
“Having recently purchased a 3.2m Veloblade cutting table, and currently using Soyang media such as backlit and blackback textiles, it made the Mimaki TS330-3200DS the perfect production combination for GH Display.”
