LFP - Large-Format-Printing

Fujifilm print and media offering blends into the end-to-end sign making environment at Image Technique

Friday 09. August 2013 - Founded in 1996, Image Technique specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of signs. With 45 employees, this experienced supplier can support customers through the entire process from consultancy and drawing of signs to the delivery and mounting stage. Image Technique prides itself on having the capability to manufacture almost everything in-house; acrylic and aluminium sheets are cut, folded, welded, assembled and painted to be transformed into different forms of eye-catching and expertly crafted signs.

“Our objective is to generate iconic signs that improve the image of retailers from high street brands to nationwide superstores. Debenhams, B&Q, Halfords and Pets at Home are just some of the major companies we work for,” explains Des Kenehan, director at Image Technique. He continues: “We are one of the leading sign makers in the UK and we’ve been involved in the evolution of this sector over the years. Although sign making is still our core business, there’s an increasing demand for integration with graphics, window decoration, visuals and displays. As a consequence, being equipped with the necessary production tools to fulfil specific requirements is crucial if we are to remain competitive. Bringing print production in-house is a key element of this strategy.”
True to this ethos, two years ago Image Technique installed a Fujifilm Acuity Advance HS to manage all print related jobs in-house. Des talks us through this choice: “In the last few years we’ve realised that it’s more reliable and cost-effective to be in control of our own destiny and keep everything under our roof’. Taking charge of the print department has allowed us to guarantee perfect image quality and to ensure that delivery times always meet customers’ needs.”
The Acuity Advance HS was a significant addition to the Image Technique environment and has given them the opportunity to print directly onto rigid media with the added value of the white ink option. It soon became clear that the print side of the business wasbooming. Des explains: “The ROI with the Acuity Advance HS was almost instantaneous and demands for print jobs were constantly rising. We were facing many requests for roll-to-roll based volumes with quicker turnaround times, so it was essential to strengthen our print capabilities.”
Together with the other director, Gavin Smith, and the managing director, James Dawson, Des agreed to invest in a superwide format printer to fill the production gap. At the end of 2012 they were all in complete agreement to turn once more to Fujifilm, whose three metre version of the Uvistar Pro8 perfectly fit the company’s criteria.
“We were so pleased with the high quality we were achieving with the Acuity Advance HS that we didn’t want to lower expectations. For us, the Uvistar Pro8 was the ideal compromise between quality and productivity. The vivid colours and adhesion offered by Fujifilm’s inks, together with the perfect skin tone reproduction, are balanced with a significant throughput,”comments Des.
He is also keen to highlight additional benefits of Fujifilm’s Uvistar Pro8: “This device can simultaneously handle two rolls of the same material which has significantly improved our efficiency. What’s more, we take advantage of the extensive range of euromedia substrates that Fujifilm offers. Vinyls, PVC and banners are just a few of the materials that the Uvistar Pro8 can print on.”
In terms of efficiency, he stresses: “A key point for us is the flexibility to allocate jobs to the Acuity Advance HS or the Uvistar Pro8, safe in the knowledge that we’re guaranteed consistent results. Fujifilm’s expertise in colour management and its technical knowledge has helped us to make the most of both the devices, calibrating them to achieve uniform quality.”
Des continues: “Uvistar Pro8 has dramatically improved our competitiveness as it has boosted our productivity and extended our range of services. We can now approach retail brands and provide them with a variety of creative and integrated projects including signs and indoor graphics, to name but two.”
A few months ago, Image Technique also embraced the digital signage market with the creation of a dedicated business unit called Vueinti. Des explains: “We believe in the integration of different methods to support brand owners in the growth and development of their corporate image. Sign making, wide format print and digital signage all go hand in hand to achieve this objective.” He concludes: “Thanks to our skills and technical knowledge, we’re able to make use of the most appropriate methods to provide clients with both print and digital tools to convey their marketing messages in the most effective way.”