Installed in July, the new machine has been housed in a specially built print room at the company’s headquarters near Southend in Essex.
The VKR3200-HS is suitable for use with materials like static cling, paper, vinyl, mesh, textiles, and more. Its dual-roll capability enhances workflow and productivity while additional features include a mesh kit for perforated media and a backlit lightbox. The printer uses the Elysian ink series.
Managing director Anthony Booty praised the “unbelievable” print quality and colour vibrancy of the UV-LED machine, which will support the company’s drive to double its £2.2m turnover within the next two years.
“The Vanguard will be generating the bulk of the extra revenue. It has expanded my mind as to what we can do in different markets,” said Booty.
“We’re already seeing enquiries and many new orders from outside our traditional markets, such as fitting out offices and showrooms with large vinyls and wallpaper. If we carry on at this rate, the machine will pay for itself in 18 months.”
The VKR3200-HS deal – the first in the UK for a roll-to-roll machine from Vanguard – was handled by Andy McGuinness, managing director of SEDO – Large Format Solutions, the partner of Vanguard Europe’s UK distributor Westcoast.
“I went to the factory in Brixen – what an amazing set-up,” said Booty.
“The sealant for me was the information I got, how well run the place was and walking around the place amazing. You always get a warm welcome, full service treatment and everybody was so polite and professional.”
He added: “It was a faultless demonstration and installation. One week’s training and we were up and running. Everything we were told would happen did, and on time. We have been blown away by everything.
“We chose a four-colour machine; the quality is absolutely brilliant and the colour vibrancy is unbelievable.
“The Vanguard VKR3200-HS is incredibly productive and will enable us to take on work at the last minute that previously we had to turn down. Now we are in charge of the whole process – from design, the printing and then the setting up at an exhibition. We also have a stitching machine for the fabric work.”
