The Braintree, Essex-based company took delivery of the CMYUK-supplied machine in February to run alongside an existing Zünd Z3 digital cutter.

Increased work volumes were causing bottlenecks for the existing Zünd, prompting the purchase of the Kongsberg machine.

“I like the way CMYUK runs its business. I admire its ethos and energy. I have always wanted to do business with them. It’s good to work with nice people,” said managing director Ryan Fairweather.

The company’s wide and varied client roster means that it handles high volume throughput as well as premium projects including marketing suites and internal fit outs.

The Kongsberg machine has more than tripled its capacity, greatly improving its production speed and efficiency.

“It became quite obvious that we needed to divide workflows so that you have truly independent working areas, each with a production technician that can print, cut and pack without crossing over each other,” said Fairweather.

While Revolution Signs has been a long-time user of Zünd machinery, Fairweather said it opted for the Kongsberg device because of its versatility, price point, and scalability.

For the way that the business works, both the Kongsberg and Zünd cutting tables required full integration into its workflow, and the ability to communicate with one another.

The company was previously using Prepare-it! print-to-cut workflow software from Zünd. However, with the installation of the Kongsberg, it switched to the i-Cut sign printing software designed for automated pre-press processes, workflow automation, and the elimination of workflow bottlenecks.

“It’s definitely a great improvement on what we were using, and saving a great deal of time,” said Fairweather.

Sustainability is a major initiative at the company. As well as adopting lithium-ion battery operated forklift trucks, it has installed solar roof panels with the aim to become entirely self-sufficient power-wise by 2025.

The installation last year of a Canon Colorado 1650 was part of this eco drive, as it is able to print both a matt and gloss finish independent of media, meaning lamination is not required and therefore reducing the company’s use of PVC-based material.

“Sustainability is an issue that we get asked about more and more. Historically the signage industry hasn’t been the greenest, so we want to take a lead. It’s really become a personal choice for me,” said Fairweather.

During lockdown Revolution Signs has taken on two new staff members, both from larger print companies that were affected by the pandemic.

Fairweather added: “My main focus is really on the sustainability side of the business and keeping staff in a position where they are in a safe, stable, and fulfilling working environment that has potential for growth if opportunities show themselves.”