Northwest-based, Print On, has transformed its large format offering by replacing five printers with just one machine, a swissQprint Impala.
With over 30 years of small and large format printing experience and a client portfolio that includes retailers like Matalan, Superdrug, Pets at Home and Lakeland, Print On undertook a review of the latest machines on the market to enhance its product offering and operational efficiencies in the large format sector.
As part of its evaluation, managing director Alex Oldfield travelled to swissQprint’s UK and Switzerland HQs. He was introduced to the team, saw the printers in action and was impressed by the Impala’s quality, flexibility, and efficiency across a variety of materials and print tasks. Print On then made its largest machine investment to date.
Installed in late October, the new Impala is already improving the business’s manufacturing workflow. Large format print is being handled with ease and the 2.5×2 m flatbed has integrated well with the existing finishing equipment. This has enabled Print On to replace five of its previous large format machines, significantly simplifying production for the operators and freeing up factory space.
The Impala’s 180m²/h productivity is also five times faster than the printers it has replaced, increasing print output from just the one machine. Additionally, moving to a single printer with the latest technology is driving significant energy savings and sustainability improvements. The company also estimates that it will see savings through swissQprint’s consumable and ink supplies, reducing the total cost of ownership.
Mr Oldfield commented, ‘To be competitive in such a tough industry, we’re always looking for ways to improve what we do. The Impala is revolutionising our large format production processes, helping every aspect of our workload. We’re delighted with its impact even in this short time and, alongside the advancements in workflow, are already enhancing the products we provide to customers.’
Print On’s Impala has a five-colour configuration of CMYK plus white and the roll-to-roll option. This enables the team to bid on new work that was previously outside its capabilities. The modular printer is also able to grow whenever Print On’s needs change, adding to the flexibility and future-proofing the investment made by the business.
Clients are being invited to experience the Impala’s print quality and innovations first-hand during an open week at Print On’s Cheadle site on 19-21 November. The machine will be in full operation, showcasing its capabilities across a wide variety of substrates.
Ian Maxfield, regional sales manager at swissQprint, concluded, ‘It’s been a delight to see how Print On is using the Impala to achieve so many operational and product benefits. From simplifying workflow to offering the latest in high-impact large format print, I am confident they will maximise the many opportunities now available to them.’
