The Harlow-based business took delivery of an Oberon RTR3300 roll-to-roll and Jeti Mira MG2732 HS LED flatbed at its 1,672sqm site in March.
The 3.3m-wide Oberon RTR3300, powered by the Asanti workflow, offers significant media diversity and a wide range of applications, including mesh and backlit prints. It also features a dual-roll option capable of handling two rolls, each up to 1.6m-wide, doubling the total output.
The Jeti Mira HS LED, also powered by the Asanti workflow, is a dedicated flatbed printer that can print borderless on rigid media up to 2.69m-wide and 3.2m-long. The machine includes a ‘Print & Prepare’ mode that allows the operator to load one side of the table while simultaneously printing on the other side.
24-staff Verve Display was founded in 2003 by Simon Perkes and specialises in events, experiential and bespoke projects. It primarily serves major players in the events market, many of whom have been with Verve Display since its inception.
“Our customers prefer us to handle the entire project for them as an extension of their team. This way, they don’t have to manage multiple contacts for each component of the process. That’s why we not only handle the printing in-house but also construct any necessary walls and use our own installers,” said Perkes.
“We maintain high quality standards and prefer to control every element internally. The extra capacity provided by the new Agfa machines allows us to now print all of our work in-house.
“For instance, the Oberon roll-to-roll has two sets of printheads, enabling it to print twice as fast without compromising on quality. Additionally, it has allowed us to switch from UV bulbs to LED curing, reducing our energy usage.”
As part of a total investment of £750,000 that also covered improvements in the complete workflow and finishing area, and the purchase of a Kongsberg cutting table, the company bought the Jeti Mira flatbed to replace a Canon Arizona and the Oberon to replace its old roll-to-roll Anapurna from Agfa.
The decision to buy two machines followed a visit to Agfa’s Antwerp showroom in late 2023.
David Blackholly, production manager at Verve Display, said: “After reviewing the range of solutions available from the Agfa family, we decided to purchase two machines dedicated to their specialty.
“While there has been quite a trend to move to hybrid printers over the past few years, and it would certainly have saved us some money and space to move to this solution, we were really impressed by the two dedicated models.
“This decision has meant that we have two machines to protect us from any breakdown issues. They have the added advantage of both working off the Agfa Asanti workflow, so we can better control colour matching across the two machines.
“The trip to Antwerp was invaluable; it ensured that we reviewed a number of solutions and ended up making the best choice for our business.”
Perkes added: “Over the years, Agfa has provided exceptional support to Verve Display, which is why we continue to choose them as our print partners.
“As a business, Agfa has consistently demonstrated innovation by introducing new products with additional functionality. Their technical team possesses extensive knowledge, is easily reachable, and promptly provides accurate answers, making them a reliable and valuable asset to our operations.”
