RA Smart set up its new large-format hardware operation in January this year, after recruiting former Amari Digital Printing Technologies sales director Adam Booth in November 2020 specifically for the job.
RA Smart Large Format is the third business arm for the growing group, which also includes RA Smart CAD & Machinery and RA Smart Textiles.
Having worked for Fujifilm from 2007-2012, partner and director Booth said his lasting relationship with his former colleagues was key.
“It’s a team of people I know very well and there are some really exciting new products that have been launched. We will initially sell the Acuity Prime 20 and 30 models and Fujifilm have a roadmap of new products that we will have access to,” Booth said of the agreement that was signed a fortnight ago.
In its first year of operation the new division, which already supplies HP, Mimaki and Summa kit, has sold £1m of large-format kit with the majority of revenue coming from seven Summa flatbed deals.
“We started in two months of lockdown but despite everything we have had a fantastic year and now signing this deal with Fujifilm is really exciting,” he added.
“There are a lot of people that are now making finishing and getting print out of the door as important as doing the actual printing. For a lot of people, they have great printing kit but no decent finishing equipment. So that has been a real growth part of the market,” explained Booth, who described the Summa range as “very safe and more affordable” which had helped boost sales.
The first two Acuity Prime devices ordered by RA Smart Large Format comprise the 20 model to be housed in its new demo room set to open at its Macclesfield headquarters in February next year. Meanwhile, the second, a customer order, will be installed at Kent-based sign and digital print firm Ebbsfleet Printing Solutions in January.
“We have two other opportunities that we hope to close out this year and I think one will certainly go through, which will mean we are off to a great start,” said Booth.
Alongside the Acuity, a Summa flatbed cutter will also be housed at the new demo space which, Covid-restrictions permitting, will play host to a number of open house events marking the RA Smart group’s 50th anniversary in 2022.
