UK and European sign solutions specialist Contract Sign Systems is to increase its production capacity and diversify its service offering after becoming the first UK-based company to invest in Canon’s Océ Arizona 6160 XTS wide format flatbed printer. The package includes a Zünd G3 digital cutting table to create new shapes for bespoke signs, enabling the company to enter new markets such as trade signage and retail.
The Cornwall-based company specialises in parking, town, street and prohibitive signage, as well offering other commercial applications. It required a technology that was capable of producing higher volumes of print with a faster turnaround.
‘The core of our business is car park signage, which regularly needs replacing,’ explained sales director Leroy Fox. ‘Car park operators adjust their prices and change their contractors frequently, which means replacing the signage accordingly. As a result, we have to be flexible to adapt to this demand. We reviewed our manufacturing procedures and recognised we needed to improve efficiencies and deliver to tighter turnaround times. Some of our customer orders have to be delivered within 24 hours.’
Since 2011, a large proportion of Contract Signs Systems’ work has been produced by Canon’s Océ Arizona 550 XT wide format printer, which Mr Fox said has been a key driver in growing the business. However, it wanted to add speed and application versatility to this model’s output quality, substrate flexibility and production reliability.
The six-colour Océ Arizona 6160 XTS was chosen for its ‘sheer speed, quality and reliability’, complemented by the value of the training and sales service the company had experienced with Canon previously.
‘The high-flow vacuum system was also a major factor, as a lot of our work is produced with aluminium composite,’ said Mr Fox. ‘The investment will enable us to increase and improve efficiencies, enhance productivity and help expand our UK and global operations.’
