Wiltshire-based Digital 23 has bought a Mimaki UJV55-320 UV roll printer from CMYUK in order to produce all its textile work in-house and to provide a basis to expand into new markets.
The business was set up in 2019 by Calvin Hedley and business partner David Pape, both of whom had experience in the exhibitions sector. Digital 23 is a full-service large format digital print provider specialising in exhibition graphics, producing and installing silicon edge tension graphics, wall wraps, fabric prints and frames boards. It started with HP printers but during lockdown added a Mimaki CJV30-130 print-and-cut solvent machine, from which the move to the 3.2m UV printer was a natural progression.
Mr Hedley explained, ‘We were looking at 3.2m-wide machines as we were basically farming out our fabric print work and then finishing the prints in house as required. We had a really busy few months from August to November last year that just highlighted that fact that it made sense to bring the production of fabrics back in house.
‘The Mimaki UJV55-320 fulfilled our primary goals but also because of the UV technology, we could add the versatility to produce a much wider range of printed substrates. We have also switched all our Foamex board production over to it. It’s given us the opportunity to expand into other markets like interior décor because we now have full control and can offer competitive pricing and improved service.’
Through CMYUK the company was able to source the Mimaki machine at an attractive price. The plan now is to update existing customers on the improved turnaround times it makes possible and to widen its fabric and board services to attract new customers.
