Wallcoverings manufacturer Muraspec has expanded its digital print production capacity with the installation of a second Karibu roll-to-roll printer from swissQprint. The move comes in response to rising demand for bespoke wallcovering designs and faster turnaround requirements across both commercial and sample production.
Based in Tonbridge, Kent, Muraspec was the first UK business to install a Karibu in 2021. The company cited the machine’s reliability and consistent print quality as key reasons for selecting the same model for its latest investment.
“We’ve printed over 250,000 square metres with our first Karibu, and it has proved extremely reliable,” said John Langfield, design process and digital manager at Muraspec. “With demand continuing to grow, a second machine became essential.”
Installed in August, the new Karibu matches the specification of the original, allowing for interchangeable production and streamlined sample creation. Both machines feature nine configurable colour channels, enabling the use of specialty inks such as white, varnish, and neon tones.
Mr Langfield highlighted the advantages of the matched setup, particularly the ability to run complex jobs overnight with minimal oversight. “The printer has helped reduce our reliance on night shifts,” he said. “We can run jobs unattended and pick them up the next morning ready to go.”
The Karibu’s flexible vacuum table allows for efficient small-format production, such as printing on pre-cut sheets, which Muraspec uses for sampling. This has supported the company’s efforts to minimise material waste and reduce setup time.
Muraspec’s new Karibu printer from swissQprint
According to Mr Langfield, the business now produces 10 to 30 samples per day, and the additional printer will increase that capacity. “The second Karibu integrates seamlessly with our workflow,” he explained. “It’s helping us scale sampling and production while maintaining consistency.”
The investment also supports Muraspec’s sustainability objectives. In addition to reducing waste, the Karibu printers operate with an average energy consumption of 2.2 kWh -comparable to a household kettle, stated swissQprint. Muraspec is also exploring sustainable substrate options to offer clients lower-impact alternatives.
Erskine Stewart, managing director at swissQprint UK, commented: “Muraspec’s decision to invest with us once again is testament to our machine’s superior quality and outstanding reliability. We are delighted to provide Muraspec the opportunity to grow its business and reach out into new markets through the continued benefits of digital print in the production of sustainable and innovative wallcoverings.”
