(L-R): Richard Budgen, director, Michael Budgen, director, James Argent, sales manager inkjet south UK at Agfa, Tim Collier, production director, Peter Burford, director, and Paul Fitch, regional sales manager UK/IRE and Nordic at Agfa

Earlier in the year, family-owned Wilmot-Budgen became the first printer in the UK to secure an Onset Panthera flatbed digital inkjet press from Agfa. Here managing director, Richard Budgen, explains the difference this machine has made to his business.

What is having the greatest impact on your business at the moment?

Coping with the cost increases that have been imposed upon us. It’s a continual industry-wide challenge to manage rising costs across materials, energy and logistics, while maintaining competitiveness and quality.

Where do you see the greatest wide-format opportunities?

The 3D cardboard market is still strong and highly relevant. There is a lot of potential in creating additional value through inspirational design and innovative production techniques. That is where I think we can create more opportunities in wide-format printing.

What would/ is making your day-to-day operations easier?

Realistically, a more stable business landscape and clients willing to commit long term partnerships make a big difference, enabling us to plan and invest with greater confidence.

What is your favourite bit of kit? 

It’s hard to single out just one; each machine contributes something different to the business, and together they give us the flexibility and performance that our customers rely on.

What is the key to your business’ success?

It’s the team we have working here that makes the business a success. Without them, it’s just a collection of output devices inside a big box. The dedication, skill and creativity of our people is what brings everything to life.

You have recently secured the UK’s first Agfa Onset Panthera flatbed digital inkjet press. Why this product and how has it helped your company?

We were early adopters of the Onset platform, and were delighted when Agfa took it to the next level, particularly the introduction of LED curing. We still believe it is the best platform for printing on to corrugated and display board for large format POS. It has given us a real edge in productivity, sustainability and print quality.

What are your impressions of the printer? 

So far, so good! The quality and the reliability of our new Onset Panthera flatbed digital inkjet press have been fantastic. It doesn’t miss a beat, which is crucial for us in a fast-turnaround environment

Has your company lined up any future investments? 

Yes – we are planning a significant extension to our main factory, to enable us to work more efficiently. Once this is under way, more investment will follow.