YPS has provided a Mimaki CJV150-130 integrated print and cut machine and the Moditech Electronic Workstation (EWS) to Newcastle and Glasgow-based Navigator Signs, speeding turnaround and increasing the range of product offerings for the wayfinding sign specialist.
Navigator managing director Stewart Keepin explained the reasons for the investment: ‘We are sign-makers with more than 80 years’ experience, but there are so many different elements to sign-making, it is very hard for a company of our size to deliver all solutions directly, and this means we sometimes need to outsource to other companies. However, as we are asked to do more work in certain areas, it makes better business sense to invest in the technology required to produce the work ourselves.’
With an increasing amount of contract work from university accommodation buildings, Navigator Signs invested in the Mimaki print-and-cut device and EWS finishing workstation after being introduced to YPS in 2022.
Mr Keepin added, ‘We had a smaller printer and laminator, but having just won a large contract for a local university, we really needed something bigger and faster so that we could keep control of the job in-house and not have to outsource. We were having to cut vinyl by hand and put it through the laminator, which is a laborious and time-consuming process that we simply had to improve on.
‘This solution had an immediate impact. Almost like having an extra person in the team. The two machines work perfectly together. Tasks like cutting and laminating a print, which used to take 10 minutes or more, now take a few seconds. They have revolutionised our operations and have allowed us to deliver a lot more work directly, making us more profitable and ensuring the customer is happy. The Mimaki and the EWS are great machines to use. The EWS’ ergonomic design means we can easily reposition every part of it to be more comfortable and practical for the user. We love it.’
