Swanley, Kent-based Keyboard works on an average of 20 consumer and trade shows a year – generally producing all the printed displays and signage for an entire show.
Previously running two HP Latex machines – an 850 and a 3000 – the firm elected to replace them with two matching machines that could provide colour and quality consistency and peace of mind.
“We do a lot of events that require consistency of colour,” said managing director Grant Mahoney. “Pretty much all of our previous kit has been HP and we are often with them in Barcelona contributing to the development of new products.
“When replacing our two Latexes, we decided against installing a single, expensive machine as we would be snookered if it shut down. This way, our 1500s can back each other up.”
The two 3.2m-wide Latex 1500s were taken on by Keyboard in mid-February and join two HP Scitex FB700 flatbed printers, which are capable of printing UV and white ink. The 1500s are designed for printing on materials including PVC banners, self-adhesive vinyl and texiles.
Both Latexes were supplied by reseller Papergraphics. The 1,200dpi, seven channel machines, which run CMYK, light cyan, light magenta and HP’s own Latex Optimiser, have a maximum speed of 74sqm/hour.
Keyboard’s new 3.2m-wide Zünd cutting table was taken on board in March to replace a 2.2m machine from Kongsberg. It assists the firm’s move into dye-sublimation, instigated by the arrival of a 3.2m Teleios Grande H6 textile printer from D.gen in October last year.
The Zünd, which cost £175,000, will help Keyboard to save money as its running requires input from one minder rather than two, meaning the firm will not have to hire freelancers to aid its cutting work. Keyboard’s machine was installed with a diamond-tipped bit for polishing acrylics, a V-cutting blade for thick cardboard, an oscillating tool and 3.6kW router.
All of £4m-turnover Keyboard’s new machines will enhance the speed and capacity at which the firm can turn over jobs. Printing currently takes place at its 1,672sqm premises from 7am-1am, allowing the business to turn around jobs overnight if needed.
Mahoney said: “We are trying to maximise everything we have got here, always looking for key new people to employ. The experiential marketplace is a massive one for us and we are always looking for any kit we can use to strengthen our portfolio.”
Keyboard will next look at bringing processes it currently outsources in-house, including metalworking and spraying, according to Mahoney. The firm currently employs 40 staff.
