SignDesign brings rigid work in-house with Epson flatbed

County Durham-based Sign Design GB has brought a range of services in-house, enhanced its production capacity and is now exploring further application opportunities following an investment in an Epson SureColor SC-V7000 UV flatbed printer supplied by Perfect Colours.

The Tees Valley signage solution specialist works with the construction, retail, education, manufacturing, transport and medical industries. It chose the Epson printer to bring greater control over quality consistency, to reduce turnaround times and to eliminate additional costs.

Commercial director Ben Kennedy, explained, ‘We were sub-contacting about £80,000 to £100,000 of direct-to-substrate work a year. We decided it was time to bring that in-house so we could ensure consistency, reduce turnaround times, cut our carbon footprint and also develop that part of the business. Now we have additional capacity and the ability to offer some unique products. We can promote these services more widely, confident in the knowledge we can deliver the desired results. We can also explore other application possibilities, run samples, and show clients what is possible.

‘We looked at what was on the market and chose the Epson system for two reasons. First, ease of use was very important. We wanted something that was operator-friendly and not too complicated to use. Despite its specialist features, there is no need for specialist training and we already have four people confident in running it.’

He added: ‘The second reason we chose the Epson was because of the support from Perfect Colours. We have bought a number of solutions from them over the years, and they are always very helpful.’

The printer was installed in late August. and has so far run without problems, according to Mr Kennedy. ‘It is working very well, and we have been running it every day. It will enable us to continue to grow in the direct-to-substrate sector and develop a more complete and versatile offering for our clients. It will also enable us to employ another apprentice in this area of the business.’