Signmaking and graphic arts kit supplier Spandex has been signed up as the exclusive UK distributor for the SwissQPrint Impala flatbed UV printer. The Impala, which is priced at around ￡125,000 depending on its specification, is aimed at graphics professionals and is designed for printing on rigid and flexible materials. Customers are able to buy a basic machine with four colours but have the option to upgrade the printer at a later date to add more colours.

Bristol-based Spandex announced at its Open House event on Friday that it intends to move into supplying its portfolio of equipment to the commercial print market in 2012. The company, which was formerly owned by US manufacturer Gerber Technology, was bought out by 11 senior managers in August with help from private equity firm Gilder, and is now looking to expand significantly via both organic growth and acquisitions.

Spandex hardware director Leon Watson said: "We believe commercial printers are interested in offering multi-channels of advertising and not just brochures and leaflets. They are now looking at offering signs and posters and we can supply the materials and provide the know-how."

The company, which operates in 17 countries and has a turnover of €100m (￡85m), is also looking to expand its range of finishing equipment.

Watson added: "We are going to start focusing more on peripheral devices such as flatbed applicators and board cutters. We see this as a potential growth area."

UK business manager Phil McMullin said the company is actively looking to acquire businesses that help to expand Spandex’s product portfolio.

He said: "For example, we don’t currently offer rigid sheets because they are logistic heavy and people want odd sizes which need to be cut up and distributed. We are looking to buy existing businesses that already offer this product and have the logistics in place."

"Then there is obvious growth potential in new territories; Turkey is a potential market and possibly Norway, as we have an established business in Sweden."

Spandex, which has a UK turnover of ￡20m, is anticipating domestic growth of 12% this year and an average of 8% growth overall.