Expanding PDQ Printing Services in Leeds has installed a Gibson GT-F3020 LED-UV flatbed printer to help it meet growing demand for the production of outdoor signs - especially for fairground clients - which the Gibson will print directly to Corex board.
“We were outsourcing this work, but the volumes became such that we saw the logic of bringing production in-house,” said owner Alison Blyth. “We underwent a major reorganisation and some structural changes to the building to accommodate the machine, but it’s already proving worthwhile, not just in meeting existing demand but in attracting new orders.
PDQ has recently taken on new staff and has doubled output compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Blyth said of new purchase, bought through SOS (Service Offset Supplies): “We knew we wanted to produce 10ft by 6ft sheets, whereas most flatbeds run 8ft by 4ft. We approached some major suppliers but were disappointed with the response. It was a huge contrast with SOS, our litho plate supplier. When we asked them if they sold flatbeds they immediately gave us a quote, some samples and all the information we needed. This helped us to be confident about the support we will get from them, which is important especially if you’re going for a new market.”
The LED-UV curing Gibson printer, which uses Ricoh Gen6 printheads, has a maximum print area of 3.1m x 2m. The ink train runs on a magnetic linear motor for reduced friction and maintenance. “It’s fast, it’s accurate and it’s easy to use. We estimate we can produce as many as 200 boards every day,” said Blyth, who has owned PDQ throughout its 30 year history.
The company’s roots are in litho and it currently runs a four colour SRA2 and a two colour B3 presses, but also offers digital and wide-format. “We do everything from labels and variable data through to high quality promotional work, and our customers are local, national and even international. We just got our first order from Latvia! Our new business is by word of mouth, we work hard and always focus on personal service,” said Blyth.
She pointed out that company has longstanding connections to the funfair industry as a result of family connections. “My father was an engineer with a passion for restoring antique fairground rides, most famously the ‘Moon Rocket’ which was revolutionary when first built in the 1930s and is now working at The Dingles Fairground Museum in Devon.”