Fatree5 uses a Texart RT-640 dye-sublimation printer customised with fluorescent inks and a TrueVIS SG-300
Cheltenham-based Fatree5 installed two Roland printing systems three years ago to manufacture durable, functional and clearly branded garments, and is going from strength to strength.
‘I’ve always been at the forefront of motocross. I go to all the events and know what the kids like – my own children are involved now,’ said Paul Butler, founder of Fatree5. ‘I thought the quality of the clothing could be better so I tried making my own. It’s just snowballed from there.’
The key to the company’s success was the investment in the two Roland printing systems: a Texart RT-640 dye-sublimation printer customised with fluorescent inks and a TrueVIS SG-300 combination printer/cutter. In addition to motocross clothing, the printers are used for a multitude of products including graphics, signage, stickers, flags, banners and parasols. The company has also broken into the equestrian, extreme cycling and leisure clothing markets.
Commenting on the Texart, Mr Butler said, ‘We looked at other machines, but the quality just wasn’t as good. Roland seemed years ahead. The inks are fantastic, producing good, clear print – nothing is blurred – and the machine itself is absolutely fantastic, bulletproof.’
The company can produce tailor-made, customised sports clothing at fast turnaround speeds – a real boon in a market that previously relied on long runs of apparel ordered from abroad.
Plus, the versatility of Texart dye-sub technology means the business can produce a whole range of coordinated items: ‘Anything we can sublimate we do sublimate, all in house’, added Mr Butler.
The business’s work was on display at Roland DG’s booth at Sign and Digital UK in Birmingham this spring.
