The family-run mixed printer installed the eight-colour UV Lithrone in August 2022, trading in an older five-colour model. 

The new Lithrone, combined with the installation of a Mimaki flatbed at the same time, meant such a leap that the firm has now decided to expand its permanent staff.

Ian Jones, WPG’s co-managing director, told Printweek: “Obviously there are a few new customers in there as well, and the sales team has been working hard to get new business, but we just have more capacity to print work each month - I think it has made a massive difference.”

The expansion, however, has proved difficult in the current tight labour market, according to Jones.

He said the 35-person firm, which grew its turnover by 20% last year, had not yet filled one of its three vacancies.

“Not for lack of trying,” he said.

“Hopefully, we’re going to take on another printer - at least the way things were at the back end of last year, we are really very busy.”

Jones added that WPG was looking to grow by a further 10-15% in the coming 12 months.

The new Komori’s UV drying system has proved an important part of the firm’s jump in productivity: unlike the previous Lithrone, which was traded in for the eight-colour, the new machine produces dry sheets that can immediately go for finishing.

The new press has also presented WPG with significant energy savings of between 20% and 26% on that machine alone, according to Jones, helping the firm to stay true to its ISO 14001 certification.

Joint MD Paul Jones added: “We are looking to further invest in both machinery and people as we continue to grow and diversify the business. 

“With a massive increase in large-format production since the purchase of a large flatbed printer last year, we will be looking to apply the same principals to our clothing and promotional products.”