In a first for the manufacturer, both demonstration cutters were sold directly from its stand at the Birmingham event in March, with Kettering-based Artisan Signs purchasing a Zünd G3 3XL-3200, while Leeds signmaker Widd Signs purchased the Zünd G3 L-2500 from the stand.
Owner of family-run Artisan Signs, Graham Davey, said: “We’ve always been impressed with the capability and reliability of our current Zünd cutter and when the discussion started about a potential replacement it was only natural to start by seeing what the new Zünd line-up had to offer.
"We had already visited the Zünd showroom in St Albans before the show to look at the G3 range and had a full demonstration, so we went to the show knowing that we wanted to purchase one. The show was a good opportunity to finalise the numbers and shake on the deal."
Zünd’s G3 3XL-3200 digital cutter runs on a 3.2x3.2m flatbed and comes with a wide gamut of cutting tools to allow for a broad range of material compatibility.
The new device is scheduled for delivery in a couple of weeks and will replace Artisan Signs' 17-year-old device. It will join a raft of other kit at its 700sqm facility, including a 2.5x3m Canon Arizona 550XT flatbed, an HP Latex Designjet 560, a Mimaki UJV-320 and router as well as a laser cutter, laminator, mounting table, plotter and sewing machine.
Davey added: "The build quality, the reliability, and the breadth of capability that our current Zünd has given us has been amazing. We have had our current Zünd for 17 years now and it’s been an absolute workhorse. We’ve never had any major issues with it and the regular maintenance and service work from Zünd has been great.”
Meanwhile, Widd Signs managing director Gary Williams said of his more compact, five-figure, Zünd G3 L-2500 investment: "[The new device] is the best of the best on the market. Renowned for its high precision and efficient cutting capabilities across a variety of different materials, it will enable us to offer our clients an even broader range of services. We’re committed to operating as sustainably as possible and the Zünd cutter is a proven energy-efficient machine that fits perfectly within our environmental ethos.”
The new device is the first Zünd purchased by the 134-year-old company, and arrived last month at its St Helens facility, a second production space opened by the company in 2020.
Founded in Leeds by Arthur Widd in 1888, sign and display business Widd Signs has grown to produce in-store, directional, LED and external signage for both national and international clients from its two facilities in the North West.
It offers design and 3D modelling services, project management and engineering, bespoke manufacturing, specialist projects and architectural lighting with acrylic and metal fabrication, stove enamel paint finishes, print, vinyl and CNC cutting and direct-to-substrate print.
