When it comes to wide-format print service providing, few companies can boast being involved in the industry as long as Preston-based Granthams. Founded in 1890 as a sign making business, it developed a graphic supplies department in the late 1960’s and became the main distributor for Letraset associated products in Lancashire.
In May this year the company installed a Designjet T7100 at its copy and print department in Corporation Street, Preston. Joanna Pilling, print manager of both Blackpool and Preston branches at Granthams comments: “We looked at a variety of systems, narrowing down our options to the HP, KIP c7800 and Oce Colorwave systems. We Chose HP based on the quality achieved on a variety of originals. We needed a system that could print and process much more than just our CAD requirements. Ideally we wanted a wide-format CAD printer that could also print instant, high quality short run posters, photographs and solid colours. The HP Designjet T7100 does all this and more.”
In addition to the HP Designjet T7100, Granthams has also recently installed a Mimaki UJF6042 to enable it to produce short-run printed prototypes, test products and prints onto a huge range of substrates including glass, wood, metal, acrylic, dibond, aluminium, and papers.
In an industry that has struggled in the contracted marketplace, Granthams has grown its business and the key to its success, says Pilling, is its ability to stay ahead of the game and continually invest in new and innovative products and services. “Our company in general has a variety of different business sectors which combined give us great strength and power within our industry and relevant markets. Our future focus with all of our print and bureau services is e-commerce ensuring we secure as many future orders as possible.”
Pilling says that print businesses will heavily rely on online orders as business needs become more immediate and short-run: “As a forward thinking company, we are constantly working on our online services ensuring we stay ahead of the game. We have been offering our corporate clients their own unique e-commerce solutions for nearly 10 years with our digital presses both small- and large-format playing a big part in this. The combination of the order and production systems enable clients to easily manage and implement budgets for print, ensuring wastage is minimised and their printed material is targeted. We believe that more effective, personalised direct mail and speedier solutions will continue to be the way forward for the foreseeable future.”