Worcester-based signage company City Signs is investing in new printing technology expected to reduce production waste by around 70%, while opening up new possibilities for customers.
The family-run business, which was founded in 1960, has invested in an HP Latex R530 Printer at its Ball Mill Top Business Park premises.
The investment will allow City Signs to print directly onto a range of suitable rigid and flexible materials, removing the need for an additional adhesive layer for certain applications and reducing associated production waste.
Traditionally, some signage is produced by printing artwork onto self-adhesive material before applying it to a separate rigid board. This can leave backing paper and other materials that cannot be recycled.
Darren Wilkins, Managing Director at City Signs, said:
“We’re always looking for ways to improve what we do, and this investment gives us the opportunity to do that in a few different ways. Being able to print directly onto suitable materials means we can remove an entire stage of the production process for certain applications, which we’re expecting to make a significant difference to the amount of waste we produce.
“For us, it’s also about looking at where the signage industry is heading and making sure we’re continuing to invest in the future of the business. We’re a family-run company and have been doing this for 66 years, so we’ve seen a huge amount of change in that time. The technology has moved on, but the importance of producing quality work and looking after our customers hasn’t changed.”
More than just a printer upgrade
The HP Latex R530 can print onto both rigid and flexible media, handling boards up to 1.6 metres wide and 5cm thick. It uses HP Latex inks and heat to cure the print during production and can work with recyclable media.
The printer uses UL ECOLOGO-certified HP Latex inks, contains 25% recycled plastic and has a maintenance cartridge recycling programme through HP.
For City Signs, the investment also opens up opportunities for new applications across traditional signage, display boards, retail and interior graphics, window graphics and bespoke projects.
“It’s important to us that we’re not investing in technology just for the sake of having the latest equipment. It needs to improve what we can offer our customers and make a genuine difference to the way we work. We’re looking forward to putting the printer through its paces and seeing what we can create with it,” Darren added.
City Signs will be showcasing the capabilities of the new printer to customers and local businesses over the coming months, including a demonstration at its Christmas event later this year.
The investment marks another step forward for the 66-year-old Worcester business, combining new technology with the experience and craftsmanship that has underpinned the family-run company for more than six decades.
For more information, visit www.citysigns.co.uk or email [email protected].