Signs and Labels Hereford has elevated its production capabilities with the addition of a Canon Colorado M5W from CMYUK. Since installing the 1.6m-wide UVgel printer, the investment has streamlined workflow, improved efficiency, and positioned the business for future growth—all while enhancing sustainability.
Founded by John Hughes in 1999, Signs and Labels started out as a home-based operation. Over the years, it has grown into a versatile business with 12 staff members, serving various sectors, including retail, office refits, leisure, and vehicle graphics. Now, the next generation is leading the company, with John’s son, Ross, taking the lead in driving the company forward and managing daily operations, and daughter, Laura, focusing on business development.
The Journey to the Colorado
The Colorado investment wasn’t originally planned. Ross and Laura attended a CMYUK Open Day intending to explore flatbed cutting solutions. However, after seeing the Colorado in action, they were immediately struck by its sleek design, impressive speed, and the capabilities of its white ink.
“We walked away knowing this was the machine we wanted,” says Ross. “At the time, we weren’t actively looking for a roll-to-roll printer, but after seeing what the Colorado could do, it stayed in the back of our minds.”
With a busy production schedule, especially during peak summer months, Signs and Labels had been running a Roland solvent printer alongside an Arizona hybrid. However, demand was beginning to outstrip capacity, with the solvent output requiring degassing and lamination, which increased production time and material costs.
“The solvent printer just wasn’t keeping up, and even the Arizona, while faster, wasn’t quick enough when things got really busy,” explains Ross. “We needed a high-performance roll-to-roll solution, and the Colorado M5W was the obvious choice.”
Seizing the opportunity
Although the Colorado was already on the company’s radar, the opportunity to invest arose when a local government grant became available, offering up to 75% funding for businesses in the Hereford region investing in eco-friendly technology.
Switching from solvent to UVgel technology significantly reduced Signs and Labels’ environmental footprint, reducing solvent inks and cutting down on laminates. The move aligned perfectly with the grant’s objectives.
“With support from CMYUK and Canon, we secured the funding and were able to invest in the Colorado sooner than we originally planned,” says Ross. “The transition to UV printing is a win-win. It lowers costs, improves efficiency, and makes our production more sustainable.”
Colorado M5W: Transforming operations
Since installation, the Colorado M5W has delivered significant operational benefits to the company. Its UVgel technology prints faster than its previous solvent and hybrid systems, making it easier to keep up with demand. Now white ink can be printed effortlessly, vastly improving turnaround times.
The M5W also negates the need for laminates, cutting down on plastic waste and material costs, while UVgel inks minimise consumption, further enhancing efficiency. Its unique capabilities, including gloss/matte combinations and flexible printing capabilities enable the business to offer premium services, and expand its revenue streams.
“The Colorado has already proven its value,” says Ross. “Not only has it improved our print quality, production speed, and efficiency, but it has also given us the ability to offer high-end print applications that set us apart from competitors.
“The onboarding process was effortless and the ongoing support from CMYUK has been fantastic, ensuring we get the most out of the printer.”
Growth & future plans
For over 25 years, Signs and Labels has built a strong reputation for high-quality signage and graphics. With a loyal client base, including adventure holiday specialist PGL and event bar support brand Shack Events, the business has grown primarily through word-of-mouth and long-term relationships. However, with the Colorado M5W, the company is now looking to expand its reach nationwide.
“We’ve never actively marketed ourselves—our growth has always been organic,” explains Ross. “We recognise the need to attract new clients and broaden our reach. The Colorado plays a key role in this by allowing us to take on more work, offer new services, and improve efficiency.”
With increased capacity, new capabilities, and a more sustainable production process, Signs and Labels is well-positioned to meet future demand and continue its success in the UK’s signage and graphics industry.
