We are hearing from a number of sources that an increasing number of new wide format printer sales are being made into the commercial litho print market.
One such printer who has recently consolidated their wide format print offering with the installation of a Mimaki JV3-160, is Minprint Ltd, a Belfast based commercial printer operating from 12,000sq foot premises serving not only the Northern Irish market but customers throughout the UK. With a substantial litho print division at its core, Minprint’s product range has grown to offer a whole spectrum of short run digital & wide format work alongside their more usual output.
Minprint’s recent investment in a Mimaki JV33-160 outdoor durable printer and matching Mimaki CG-FXII cutting plotter has significantly increased the productivity of their wide format operation and allowed them to further expand not only their product portfolio but improve the lead times with which they can work.
Features that benefit
Director at Minprint, Jamie McMinnis points to two important features of the Mimaki solution that have benefitted their workflow – the increased print width over his previous wide format printer and the rewards of having a separate printer and cutting plotter. Whilst there are tangible advantages when using an integrated printer / cutter (a smaller footprint and relatively unattended operation) for volume production, the capacity of separate machines cannot be beaten.
“We’ve seen the new Mimaki hardware ramp up our production since its installation,” remarks McMinnis, “we’re delighted that the quality of the output using the new SS21 ink allows us to offer a superior product even at higher run speeds with fewer passes.”
“The Mimaki technology is so impressive that along with our new printer we have purchased a CG160-FXII plotter. It’s ideal for kiss cut and half cut labels but also useful for window graphics and all aspects of signage,” he comments.
Pivotal local backup
Key to McMinnis’s decision to invest in the Mimaki was the proximity of authorised reseller Dennis D Evans and the support that Minprint has received during the installation and since, has left him very satisfied with his choice. “The installation and training of the new system went extremely smoothly and having such an experienced Mimaki reseller able to provide us with local backup was pivotal in our choice of supplier.”
The Mimaki JV33-160 and CG-FXII is a popular production combination, able to deliver high volumes of photo-quality work at up to 1.6m wide – greater than Minprint’s previous capabilities. Subsequently, their portfolio now includes large format banners, posters, POS material, canvas prints, exhibition and vehicle graphics and by utilising the accurate contour and die cutting features of the CG-FXII cutting plotter, they can now also supply attractive stickers, decals and promotional products.
Looking to the future
With a history stretching back some 35 years, Minprint continues to look to the future. Investing in the latest technology is something that McMinnis puts down to the company’s ongoing success and they have big plans to expand into new markets. “We serve a broad range of clients – from small local businesses right through to multinational blue chip companies. Being able to offer new products from the Mimaki has seen us grow that part of our operation considerably.”
In July, Minprint started a 24 hour, triple shift day – fighting hard out of recession and delivering faster turnaround times and further improved ability to hit rapid delivery deadlines. With this combined commitment to customer service and investment in new technology, it’s no wonder Minprint is doing so well.
