Cover Up, one of Ireland’s biggest print houses, has invested in a new MTEX 5032 direct-to-textile printer in order to expand their offering for exhibition and display companies.
Cover Up knew that their growth in the exhibition market was being held back by the fact that they could only produce applications such as lightboxes up to 1.8m wide and only on matt polyester. Thanks to their purchase of an MTEX 5032, they can now print as wide as 3.2m and work with the newer, bigger display units that are available today.
Cover Up started out in the 1970s as a cover manufacturer and the family firm, with branches in Sandyford and Clondalkin, grew to become specialists in printed textiles, including flags, banners, awnings and bunting, signage and lightboxes, vehicle covers and canvas backdrops.
From an initial purchase of a 3.2 metre PVC printer, they now have a stable that includes a 5m HP UV 5100, a flatbed HP 6200, a 3.2m solvent, two DGen dye-sub 1.8m flag machines, an FB700 flatbed and a 54in Mimaki. They do all their own finishing with three high-frequency welders for finishing PVC and mesh, and machinists for stitching.
“When we decided to go with the MTEX, the difference that put it above other units was the quality of print and the punchy colours,” explained Anthony Byrne.
The new MTEX 5032 was installed in mid-March. The company had moved into new premises in December and had a space earmarked on the ground floor.
“The installation and training was great,” added Anthony. “Installation took a day, then we had the training from the MTEX team and the printer was up and running jobs within around three days.”
The new generation MTEX printer offers a superb all in one direct-to-textile solution, printing up to 1440dpi and speeds up to 62m²/h using a water-based inkset that delivers vibrant consistent colours. The textile is then advanced to the in-line fixation unit where it sublimates into the fabric.
Stewart Bell, MD of MTEX Technologies, said: “We’re very excited that Cover Up are the first company in Ireland to install an MTEX 5032. Cover Up has a deep understanding of the market and this sale further demonstrates the growth in demand for textile printing.”
The Cover Up team is now looking at entering the export market and working with companies outside of Ireland. “We can now produce the larger exhibition panels from start to finish under the one roof, and exporting fabric is easier, cheaper and more reliable as you can fold it up rather than having to keep it flat.
“We’ve seen the industry picking up over the last two or three years, and we’re feeling very confident in growth for the future.”