Lancashire-based print, signage and workwear company Zell-Em Branding has reported significant productivity improvements following the installation of a ColorJet Vulcan Hybrid 3202 printer from Quality Print Services (QPS).
The ColorJet Vulcan Hybrid has increased productivity and reduced waste
The company took delivery of the 3.2m UV-LED hybrid printer in April 2026 as part of a wider investment strategy aimed at replacing ageing equipment while increasing production capacity and expanding its large-format capabilities.
Zell-Em was formed by bringing together several long-established businesses under a single brand in 2025, including Granthams Signs & Graphics, Beaver International and MacPrint UK. The business said the latest investment reflects its continued focus on adopting new technology to meet changing customer requirements.
“We didn’t want a like-for-like replacement,” said Steve Cartmell, operations manager at Zell-Em. “We wanted a machine that would allow us to handle greater volumes, improve productivity, create new opportunities and remove the need to outsource jobs that were too large for our old printer. The Vulcan ticked all those boxes.
“Compared to our previous equipment, the Vulcan offers significantly higher production speeds, a much larger print width and improved print quality across a wide variety of substrates.”
Configured with Ricoh Gen6 printheads and CMYK plus white ink, the ColorJet Vulcan Hybrid can print on both rigid and roll-to-roll media, supporting materials up to 35mm thick.
According to Mr Cartmell, the machine has already become central to Zell-Em’s large-format production. He said a recent order for ten 10m x 1.85m mesh banners took around four and a half hours to complete, including a roll change, compared with approximately 14 hours on the company’s previous printer.
“The most obvious benefit has been the dramatic increase in productivity,” he said.
Mr Cartmell added that improved colour consistency and reduced reprints have helped minimise waste, while increased capacity has enabled the company to win larger projects. One existing trade customer has increased its monthly spend by around 80% year-on-year, which he attributed to faster turnaround times and greater production capability.
Looking ahead, Zell-Em plans to target larger-format work in markets including retail graphics, exhibition displays, construction signage and billboard printing. Mr Cartmell also highlighted the scalability of the platform, which can be upgraded with additional printheads to further increase production speeds if required.
He also praised QPS for its support throughout the purchase, installation and training process, describing the company’s aftersales service as “second to none”.
