Kitlocker has installed two Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro systems. The company, which operates within several sectors of the sports and leisurewear market, says the pair will allow it to produce branded and customised apparel on demand.

Founded in 2005, Kitlocker counts schools, football clubs and other sporting organisations among its customers. This installation not only allows it to embellish popular styles on demand, in both long and short runs, but also to expand into printing onto polyester. Kornit’s Poly Pro system is marketed as the only single-step digital direct-to-garment technology developed specifically for imprinting polyester and poly-blend materials.

‘The Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro allows for far superior quality of finish for embellishment compared to traditional print techniques,’ explained Mike Kent, co-owner of Kitlocker. ‘When we were shopping around for alternatives, it was obvious the sort of single pass, and its ability to print on polyester, was certainly market-leading—there was no alternative that could do that. The machines are quick and reliable, with very little downtime, which is massively important to me as a business owner.’

According to Mr Kent the technology has enabled his company to approach new markets and develop new product ranges. He expanded, ‘The system allows us bigger print areas, more colours, and more elaborate designs, and our customers to uniquely embellish their garments on a wide range of products from different brands with lots of different kinds of creative outputs.’ 

Chris Govier, managing director of Kornit’s European operation added, ‘Our systems help brands like Kitlocker sync supply with demand, eliminating waste and making them more reactive to customer needs. Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro extends the efficiency, sustainability, quality, and logistical benefits of digitisation to the booming sports and athleisure apparel market. Being able to give their customers the widest assortment of gear, customised in any quantity, on demand, is a winning game plan for Kitlocker.’