Nottingham-based Sign Up Systems has invested in a Blackman & White Genesis V flatbed digital cutting system from i-Sub as it looks to speed up its finishing process, diversify its work and produce new products.
The company, which started out supplying aluminium systems for the signage and graphics industry, first diversified into print in 2016 when it invested in a dye-sublimation machine and a 3.2m UV roll-to-roll system. A few years later it installed further large format printing equipment; a move which opened up a host of potential new avenues, but also left the company needing to upgrade its finishing options.
‘Finishing was definitely the bottleneck in our business,’ explained Sign Up Systems’ managing director Jon Bromhead. ‘We could print a lot of work; we just couldn’t finish it. We realised that what we needed was that missing link – and, as it turned out, that was the Blackman & White.’
Mr Bromhead and his team were initially in the market for a used cutting machine, but quickly realised that only a new one would meet their needs. This was followed by a conversation with Blackman & White distributor i-Sub and it was quickly confirmed that the Genesis V system, which has a maximum cutting speed of 1200mm/sec and can cope with materials up to 50mm thick, would fit the bill.
‘Due to the pandemic, we felt it was better to go with a machine manufactured in the UK,’ Mr Bromhead added. ‘It offered a better price point too, so seemed to be the right fit for us. We put the machine through its paces before we purchased it, running some tests using different substrates and cutting tools. We were happy with the results and decided to go for it!’
Following installation, Emma Plant, sales director at i-Sub, commented, ‘We were delighted that Sign Up Systems invited i-Sub to work with them and guide them to the best solution for their new finishing requirements. They are a very forward-thinking business. This was demonstrated by their decision to invest in new technology to grow the business and ensure their client’s needs were met whilst offering the best quality products and service available.
‘The cutter also offers peace of mind for future growth as the machine has the capacity for further production volume, ensuring Sign Up Systems not only has the confidence to take on more business and win new work now, but also to adapt to the changing needs of its customers in the future.’
