The Great Yarmouth, Norfolk-based business has opted for two six-colour Nyalas with white, varnish, and primer. One machine incorporates a 3.2m roll-to-roll option, while both Nyalas – which were installed in February – have replaced older SwissQprint models.

Signwaves, which was founded in 1989, serves major brands and retailers as well as over 2,000 trade resellers; a network of sign and print companies, agencies, exhibition contractors, and shop fitters.

The company has run SwissQprint machines since 2016, when an Impala and Nyala were installed, and chairman Mark Ford felt the time was right to upgrade to the latest machines.

“[In 2016], we partnered with SwissQprint and were immediately impressed with what they could do,” he said.

“We have always been incredibly thorough when testing new equipment. For us, SwissQprint ticked all the boxes and the fact that we have returned to them for two new Nyalas is testament to their technology and reliability.”

The company went for two Nyalas to provide consistent quality work at significantly higher volumes than its previous machines. Both machines operate at a maximum of 206sqm/hr and, depending on the print mode, can boost print speeds by 35% compared to the old machines.

Thanks to the latest generation printheads, the 1,350dpi and smaller droplet size, the printers deliver sharper edges and finer lines with smoother transitions across an increased colour gamut.

Durability, UV stability, and quality were critical for Signwaves, which prints a high percentage of its output onto rigid materials, often for the outdoor market.

The business said its chosen white ink and primer printhead configuration was essential for the likes of black high-pressure laminate that underpinned its branded chalkboard offer.

Sustainability was also a factor in the company’s decision to upgrade its SwissQprint machines.

“We’re on a journey to make the business carbon neutral by 2030,” said Ford. “We produce our own electricity through solar energy and use this to power our production, including our new Nyalas. Their incredible energy efficiency will ensure we deliver the cost-effective, sustainable products our clients demand.”

Erskine Stewart, managing director of SwissQprint UK, commented: “We’re delighted that Signwaves have committed to upgrading with us. The high quality and fast turnaround of their work makes the Nyala perfect for the business.

“It’s great to see them choose two new machines and build on the strong relationship we have built over the years.”