The new machines have already proved their worth, said managing director Michael Tyrell.

The cutting table, a Kongsberg C64 Edge bought from CMYUK, replaced a 3x2m CNC router. The Kongsberg, which Simply Beautiful bought with an optional conveyor, has increased production speeds fivefold.

“It’s so much faster for us,” Tyrell told Printweek.

“Anything larger than 3x2m we were having to cut down by hand, so the team was having to unroll the fabric on the floor, get down on their hands and knees, and trim everything on the floor.”

The firm’s new application table, purchased from Atech has been partially responsible for the leap in productivity, too.

Mounting a lot of print onto Dibond panels for signage and hoardings, the company wanted to up its game in both speed and quality of application.

The new machine, which uses a large roller to apply vinyl to the backing board, allows the team to mount vinyl faster and without any bubbles, Tyrell said.

The investment round comes as part of Simply Beautiful’s post-Covid recovery. With exhibitions covering about 90% of the firm’s business, it had been a tough stretch, with Tyrell working alone to support the business while he put his five staff on furlough.

In 2022, however, the company has managed to double its 2021 turnover and is cautiously optimistic about growth in the near future. 

Printing with an Agfa Anapurna 3.2m H3200I UV LED and HP Latex 800W liquid toner press, the firm’s new cutting table, application table and Neschen ColdLam 1650 roll-to-roll laminator have meant a squeeze getting gear into Simply Beautiful’s 420sqm site.

A new mezzanine level, to be built in the next few months, will add another 185sqm.

“We won’t say too much, but we’re planning to keep growing – and we have a very solid team in production,” Tyrell said.