Zeeland, Netherlands-based JMC Signmakershas entered the third phase of its business transformation following its investment inEsko's i-cut Automate workflow solution. The software has eliminated pre-press bottlenecks, JMC says, and has helped reduce cost, time and waste for complex jobs.

The company's three phase development plan has also included acquisition of an EFI VUTEksuperwide-format printer, smaller eco-solvent dye-sub and solvent printers and an EskoKongsberg i-XL44 cutter with MultiCut and PowerHead. These investments allowed JMC to increase its product range to include milled letters and more materials. In addition, JMC has taken steps to streamline its production workflow and reduce order processing times.

"[Esko i-cut Automate] is the final piece of the puzzle – for now," says Cees Bolijn, owner, JMC Signmakers. "Brand owners clearly see the value of versioned and customised signage to address regional, cultural and other differences. But in the past, the production process was quite slow and therefore not cost-effective. Using i-cut Automate and scripting, we have overcome this barrier and are able to produce products with text, photos, logos and other characteristics that are completely variable from piece to piece."

The investments have also allowed JMC to begin supplying to the trade, it adds.