New Agfa engine increases profitability for Scunthorpe sign maker

Print Solutions

Scunthorpe sign maker A Signs has invested in a new H1650i LED Agfa Anapurna print engine and, just 10 months on, is enjoying increased profitability due to improved efficiencies.

A Signs, established in 1998, produce a wide variety of signage, from external building signs, internal health and safety signs, vehicle wraps, exhibition display boards to more latterly huge pieces of wall art for its broad client base. The owner, Shaun Fisher, was looking to invest in a new print engine to speed up production time and reduce costs enabling him take on more work and increase efficiencies.

The purchase of the Agfa printer came via its relationship with Litho Supplies, which supplies A Signs with printing inks and consumables. Shaun was keen to buy a UV printer and Damian Newsham from Litho Supplies invited him to a demonstration of the Anapurna at the Agfa showroom in Seacroft, Leeds. Shaun subsequently reviewed a number of other options in the market and concluded that the Anapurna H1650i was the best fit to his needs. The 1650 machine was the perfect size for the space he had available and for the sheet sizes they use. As a hybrid it also offered the choice of roll to roll or flat bed with a really quick change over to each option.

‘The machine was a sizeable investment for a business the size of A Signs but I have no regrets,’ said Shaun. ‘Producing signage on my older printer required a number of processes, but the Anapurna prints in one pass, including white, it comes complete with all the latest technology and I am delighted with both the speed and quality. I am also impressed that whilst my output is up, the amount of ink usage has actually reduced, and the room doesn’t require the same level ventilation to be a pleasant place for us all to work.

‘When your accountant validates that your profitability is up on a similar level of business to last year, it confirms that commercially I have made the right decision. It is a real unique selling point for me compared to other sign companies in my locality.’