Seattle-based SuperGraphics has just installed the 2000th swissQprint large format printer. A milestone for the manufacturer and a new and exciting phase for SuperGraphics as it is exploring the full potential of this cutting-edge technology.
Reid Baker, CEO of SuperGraphics, shared the story of his long connection with swissQprint. “Our journey began back in 2013 at the SGIA Expo. I saw a print with texture in the eyelashes, and it blew me away,” Baker recalled. swissQprint’s capabilities left a lasting impression. “It’s been in the back of my mind ever since.”
The right moment to invest
Pursuing quality and uptime improvements SuperGraphcis started an elevated press lineup change in 2020. Baker saw that the swissQprint technology would fit into this concept perfectly, also for its colour consistency, the high quality at elevated production speed and the strong vacuum.
The right opportunity came up in the last couple of years, as Baker says: “We were thinking about buying second-hand at first.” After reconnecting with swissQprint at a Leadership Summit the year before and seeing the Nyala at drupa 2024, he knew that this was the right choice.
Naturally, he and his team were excited to learn that they were going to get a very special printer: the 2000th swissQprint machine which was installed in early November. Carmen Eicher, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at swissQprint HQ in Switzerland, said: “The installation of our 2000th printer at SuperGraphics marks an exciting milestone for us, and we look forward to seeing how the Nyala will contribute to their future success.”
Great response and new opportunities
SuperGraphics has started integrating the printer into its operations. “We marketed the Nyala before we even had it and have received more interest than we’ve ever seen for a new piece of equipment,” said Baker. His idea is to use the Nyala especially for high-value applications such as texture and neon prints, spot varnish and droptix 3D effects, but also for regular jobs of up to 100 boards.
SuperGraphics has already received high-volume enquires, promising increased production opportunities. The operations director intends to move a whole sector of jobs over to the swissQprint. Baker emphasized the importance of getting the most out of the equipment: “You make money when the press is printing, and with the Nyala, we see great opportunities for introducing a second shift.”
Increased productivity
The SuperGraphics team recently completed training at swissQprint’s US facility in Elgin, IL, learning how to tap the Nyala’s full potential. Reid was particularly impressed by the Tip Switch Vacuum system which allows for efficient control of 256 vacuum segments, eliminating the need for taping and boosting productivity. “There’s no other system as user-friendly as this, the Nyala is so quick in getting a finished print from putting a sheet on the table,” Baker noted.
A future of innovation and growth
Baker is confident that this investment will position the company for growth. “If you can be the innovation provider for your clients, they’re going to give you everything else,” he explained. He is confident that the Nyala will open new doors for SuperGraphics, allowing the company to deliver cutting-edge solutions and secure new business in the future.
