Precision Proco makes the move to inkjet with investment in varioPrint iX3200

Print Solutions

Precision Proco has strengthened its production operations with the installation of two Canon varioPrint iX3200 sheetfed inkjet presses. The investment marks the company’s first partnership with Canon and supports its strategy to increase capacity and efficiency across its print operations.

Formed in 2020 through the merger of Precision Printing, ProCo and Prime, the company has grown into a £76 million organisation, delivering a broad range of services including commercial print, personalised print and single copy ‘book of one’ applications. The business serves both large enterprise clients and smaller customers through its upload and print portal and account managed services.

The installation of the varioPrint iX3200 devices marks Precision Proco’s official move into sheetfed inkjet production, addressing the company’s need to increase capacity and productivity, while maintaining the high quality expected by its customers. The devices also fill a gap the business had identified around B2 format production, allowing more work to move seamlessly into its existing finishing lines.

For Precision Proco, speed is non negotiable, having seen growing demand for faster turnaround times across the print and marketing sectors. With nearly 250,000 square feet of production and warehouse space supported by significant finishing capacity, getting printed sheets onto the production floor quickly helps accelerate the entire manufacturing process. 

Designed for high volume short run production environments, the varioPrint iX3200, capable of producing up to 320 A4 images per minute, enables the company to print faster than ever before and move work through its extensive finishing operations more efficiently.

The investment also enables the company to respond to an increasing customer focus on reducing waste in print production. By combining Canon’s sheetfed drop on-demand inkjet technology with highly automated workflows and minimal job set up times, the iX3200 supports more flexible print models, reducing excess inventory and minimising waste by printing only what they need, when they need it.

Andy Skarpellis, chief operating officer at Precision Proco, commented:‘Moving to sheetfed inkjet was a calculated step for us. We had been watching the technology develop for several years, and when we saw the quality and speed Canon had achieved with the varioPrint iX3200, it was a clear investment for us. The device gives us the additional capacity we need while maintaining the quality our customers expect. The support from Canon’s team throughout the installation process has been exceptional, with its engineers working closely with us to ensure the presses were integrated smoothly into our wider production environment.’

Stuart Rising, head of graphic arts at Canon UK and Ireland, added: ‘Precision Proco is a highly respected print provider with a strong reputation for innovation and production excellence. We are proud to support its move into sheetfed inkjet with the varioPrint iX3200 and look forward to continuing our partnership as it looks to expand its capabilities.’