Technology is changing just as rapidly in the field of commercial printing as it is in every other type of business. For the most progressive printing businesses, an intelligent investment in new technologies can have rapid returns as it allows them to offer a wider and improved range of services to customers.
For two decades, Berwick-upon-Tweed based Fantasy Prints has been offering customers across the North East a wide range of printing, signage and marketing services to produce outstanding printed materials, advertising artwork, embroidery clothing, signage, exhibition displays and stands and so on. The firm’s commitment to service is evident in that it not only has a state of the art production facility, but also a retail outlet in the town centre.
Although Fantasy Prints was already one of the UK’s most cutting edge printing firms, it was aware through its partnership with Robert Horne Group, a PaperlinX company, that it had access to even faster and higher quality printing technology.
Discussions with customers also confirmed that Fantasy Prints had an opportunity to extend the range of its services as well as offer significant improvements in its ability to deliver existing products. It was clearly time for the business to invest in new technology.
“The opportunities and challenges thrown up by new technology are evident in every aspect of our lives. This is as true in the printing business as it is anywhere else, so we understand the importance of continuous investment in new technology if we are not only to meet emerging customer demands but, in many cases, offer them products and services before they even know they are available,” says Sarah McMorn, Managing Director, Fantasy Prints.
Following an extensive period of consultation with Robert Horne and key clients, Fantasy Prints established the ideal requirements for the new printer. The specifications were to include increased capacity and speed, improved print quality and the ability to print onto new and larger surfaces. Any new machinery should also be future proofed by offering the most cutting edge technology as well as being upgradeable and backed by exceptional service levels.
The ideal solution came in the shape of a HP Scitex FB500 with a white ink upgrade. The HP Scitex FB 500 is one of the most sophisticated printers available and allows work to be loaded, printed, and collected simultaneously, thus improving workflow. It offers exceptional results at up to 1200x600dpi and can print on virtually any rigid or flexible substrate including doors and other panels. It also offers world class results using white ink, thanks to the white ink upgrade.
The investment in the HP Scitex FB 500 has already started to offer a return to Fantasy Prints. It has enabled the firm to cement its reputation as one of the most innovative and cutting edge suppliers of print services in the North East by offering a new and improved range of solutions and services to both existing and new clients.
“One of the key factors in our decision to invest was our longstanding relationship with Robert Horne. Not only did they understand our needs and those of our customers, they were able to back up their know-how with the best products and support services available to us,” says Sarah.
The application of the new technology has resulted in quicker turnaround times for jobs, increased capacity and higher quality printing. Customers have been particularly impressed with the ability to print onto such a wide choice of surfaces and substrates, including double sided and full bleed prints.
It has enhanced Fantasy Prints’ longstanding consultative approach to working with clients, not least by allowing the firm to demonstrate new possibilities to customers including how to use white ink and enrich results with matte and gloss finishes.