Microforum Services Group has strengthened its digital production capabilities with the installation of an HP Indigo 18K Digital Press, marking a significant step in the company’s move toward greater in-house control of premium packaging and media manufacturing.
The Canadian business, which has more than 25 years’ experience and a team of over 100 staff, has been building its digital capacity for several years. The arrival of the 18K extends that strategy by enabling faster turnaround times, improved consistency, and a wider range of high-value applications including vinyl record jackets, rigid boxes and customised packaging.
According to the company, the press gives Microforum the ability to bring up to 95% of its print requirements under one roof. This has allowed closer control over quality, scheduling, and cost, while supporting higher daily volumes. Features such as white ink, silver boarding, and rapid prototyping have contributed to Microforum’s push into bespoke and luxury markets.
“HP’s technology gives us the confidence to push boundaries and invest in new possibilities,” said Frank Stipo, president of Microforum Services Group. “The HP Indigo 18K empowers us to bring more work in-house, double our productivity, and deliver the premium, design-driven solutions our clients demand. Its larger B2 sheet size and 24pt duplex capabilities have opened new opportunities for high-end packaging and personalised applications.”
The company has also expanded its substrate and special-effects options thanks to the press’s ability to run heavier materials and apply specialist inks, including invisible yellow. Integration of HP PrintOS and the Creativity Power Pack is helping streamline workflows, and Microforum is assessing HP’s SiteFlow platform for further automation.
A recent collaboration with IYK for The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York illustrates the company’s approach to combining print with connected technology. Microforum produced NFC-enabled postcards for the exhibition, allowing visitors to access digital content by tapping their devices.
Scott Archer, AMS HP Industrial commercial director of Sales at HP, said: “Microforum Services Group exemplifies the forward-thinking spirit that defines today’s print industry. Our partnership is built on trust, shared vision, and a commitment to helping customers thrive.”
The introduction of the 18K has also opened the possibility of producing centre labels for vinyl records – an application currently handled by offset but earmarked as a future digital transition. Microforum plans to build a dedicated sales team to support its growth in premium applications as it continues to develop its offering around the new press.
