Proves Roland DG is the perfect partner

Former British Armed Forces man, Dave Metcalfe entered into the printing industry in 1997, after 40 years serving for his country. With a longing to experience hands-on business management in the print sector, but with little expertise or knowledge of the emerging sector, Dave and his wife decided to sign a franchise partnership with a national sign business.

For 15 years the franchise business thrived and Dave developed the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as an independent business owner within the printing industry, then in 2012 Dave took the plunge and opened his own company, Wilton Signs.

Dave and his wife quickly got to grips with their lives as business owners and the print business began to grow at a steady pace. After a year of trading it became apparent to Dave that there was a growing need for more complex and bespoke applications including industrial signage and vehicle wrapping. With this in mind, Dave looked to invest in first-class equipment that could produce high-quality products on demand, to exploit the growing trend.

After a lengthy search to find the perfect mainstay to help his business grow and most importantly meet the need for premium, bespoke applications at a low price, Dave came across the Roland DG VersaEXPRESS RF-640 at Sign & Digital UK exhibition. The wide-format digital printer boasted impressive print speeds, unmatched productivity and came equipped with a host of advanced features to give Dave the ability to produce high quality graphics at a low cost.

The Roland DG VersaEXPRESS RF-640 was the ideal first investment for Wilton Signs, not only for the machine's specifications but for Roland DG's superior levels of service and support. The Roland DG VersaEXPRESS RF-640 was the ideal first investment for Wilton Signs, not only for the machine's specifications but for Roland DG's superior levels of service and support. Dave Metcalfe, Managing Director of Wilton Signs, explained:

"Roland DG's core offer is based around providing highly reliable machinery reinforced with a comprehensive business support structure available whenever and wherever we needed it. It was this ongoing care and superior service which put Roland DG miles ahead of the competition."

As Wilton Signs grew and the need for high-quality products increased, Dave was impressed with the durable, optimum output that the Roland DG VersaEXPRESS RF-640 offered time and time again. The wide format digital printer supports heavy media rolls of up to 40kg and features Roland DG Ink Switching System, allowing Dave to seamlessly replace ink cartridges without having to stop and restart the printer. The automatic take-up roller and switching system meant that Wilton Signs were able to regularly utilize the machine for longer run print jobs, leaving the machine unattended for a number of hours and maximizing productivity levels.

"The investment in a Roland DG machine has set the benchmark for both reliability and ease of use. Starting the business on our own was a huge step, but with Roland DG, it felt like we had more than a great machine – a partner as such - and always felt like we were supported every step of the way."

Using Roland DG's VersaEXPRESS RF-640, Wilton Signs was able to expand its customer offering to produce sophisticated sign graphics, exterior signage, banners, vehicle graphics and much more. The versatility and consistent performance of the machine made the wide format printer the perfect business solution to allow Wilton Signs to produce an unlimited range of profitable applications and drive business growth.

"Our VersaEXPRESS RF-640 has enabled us with the tools to push our business to the next level and go above and beyond our customers' expectations to deliver dynamic, valuable and exciting products. The printer is easy to use, completely flexible and delivers the quality products that our customers have now come to expect."

Loyal to the Roland DG offering, Dave further enhanced the performance of his VersaEXPRESS RF-640's through the use of the Roland DG's Roland DG's ECO-SOL MAX ink. Dave and his team quickly recognized the quality and durability of the eco-solvent inks, offering quick drying times and a wide color gamut. The inks were the perfect partner for the wide format machine, having been specifically designed to work in harmony together, and Dave admits he has never looked back since.

Hoping to further diversify Wilton Signs' business offering, Dave is looking to invest in a second Roland DG machine, the CAMM-1 PRO GX Series. The vinyl cutter will offer Wilford Signs an enhanced service across its print and cut facilities meaning that the print business will be able to exploit the demand for high quality applications without a heavy investment. The easy-to-use PRO GX Series offers enhanced versatility and comes equipped with the industry's most powerful cutting motors, working at speeds of up to 850 mm/sec.

"The investment in a Roland DG machine has been the perfect decision for us, enabling us to explore additional markets that we never thought were possible. The addition of the PRO GX Series cutter will give us that competitive edge needed to streamline our production while continuing to provide our customers with premium and profitable products."

For more information on Wilton Signs CLICK HERE.