Event technology and production specialist Encore Emea has installed a flatbed Mimaki to join a number of the manufacturer’s rollfed machines.
It expands the products that can be produced in-house and keeps up with demand for rapid turnarounds. Print operations manager Martin Alfonso says: “The biggest advantage is that it saves us both time and materials. The events industry is very last minute, and now we can print directly to board rather than printing vinyl, laminating, and then mounting. We have increased our capacity and sped up the entire production process, so if someone needs something urgently, we can accommodate those requests.”
The flatbed machine has been sourced through CMYUK, which supplied its 3.2-metre wide UJV55320 and the UCJV330160, both LED UV machines.
“We have considered other options, but sales manager Chris Martin has always been very supportive. We are very happy with our existing Mimaki equipment, so it made sense to stay with this manufacturer. We also purchase our consumables and materials from CMYUK. They provide excellent service, and we’re very happy with them,” says Alfonso.
Shortly after the print room was set up six years ago, growth plans were put on hold as lock down hit. Now the operation is picking up again. Alfonso says: “It was always the plan to buy a dedicated flatbed printer. We bought a cutting table last year and these machines work hand in hand t increase the capacity and capabilities of our print shop.”
The inplant serves the needs of the 50 UK venues that are partners to the Encore business. The majority of the work is for corporate events, though exhibitions and other hospitality work is also in the mix. Encore has recently joined the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, a venture for 50 hotel business organisations pledged to reduce environmental impact numbering 50,000 hotels under 270 brands.
The UK operation is part of global business that operates in 17 countries supporting hybrid, virtual and in person events.
