CMYUK is open for business

Jul 16, 2025 | Features

While heading to the Spandex Summit, assistant editor Benjamin Austin also took a trip to CMYUK’s open day event at its demonstration building in Shrewsbury on June 24. From new machines to more established kit, here’s what happened on the day.

CMYUK demonstration building in Shrewsbury

CMYUK demonstration building in Shrewsbury

A long week of travels came to its climax when I was invited to the CMYUK Open House at its demonstration site in Shrewsbury.

The wide-format distributor tries to host this event at least three times a year to allow customers to swing by and look at the latest kit, the company’s best offers, or discuss problem and queries with experts.

On display were machines from EFI, J-WEI, Canon, and newly partnered Neolt Factory, which CMYUK are now an exclusive UK distributor.

After almost three years of successful partnership between the two companies, Neolt has seen a pronounced increase in sales.

New kit

Bringing its latest model to the day, the XY Trim Plus 3300mm, international sales manager, Ettore Briccoli Pontiggia, hoped to build upon its debuted success at FESPA and support its partnership with CMYUK.

Also making its CMYUK debut were four EFI machines: the Vutek M3h, Vutek Q3r, Pro 16h+, and the Pro 30h+.

EFI Vutek Q3r

EFI Vutek Q3r

A team from the company went over to America last year to run test on the newly released machines and now they are available through the company.

Sales director, Chris Martin, said: “It is their UK debut and we’ve had them in here for about four weeks or so. The 16h+ and 30h+, it’s their first sitting in the showroom.

“The feedback we have had on them so far is really encouraging and we have already had a couple of quotes.

“With its new printheads and technology that its speeds and performance reach the prices and so we are comfortable pushing them a bit more.

“EFI do have a direct presence in the UK, but anything with pro in is exclusive through us and we deal with the installation.”

Most popular

But alongside the premiering machinery were other popular machines sold through the company like the Canon Colarado.

CMYUK were recently named Canon’s top global partner at FESPA with its success with the machine and many visitors, like Larchfield’s print manager Darren Sinclair, who came to check it out.

He said: “We went to FESPA and we saw the Colarado there so we have come to the open house to see it in better detail.

“It looks after itself and is self-cleaning which is what our company needs. Our operation is quite small so we need to be efficient with our time; so, we’re thinking of replacing our old EFIs and doubling on this Canon.”

Unexpected favourites

2)Larchfield’s print manager, Darren Sinclair (left) standing with the Canon Colarado

Larchfield’s print manager, Darren Sinclair (left) standing with the Canon Colarado

But as much as customers attend these days to learn about specific products, they may also walk away with their eyes on another.

That is what happened to Darren. As well as the Canon, he also had one eye on a J-WEI cutting table, exclusive through CMYUK.

Built in China, they have seen huge success with the distributor having sold 65 units in 18 months.

Darren Sinclair said: “We have a Kongsberg bought from CMYUK and it’s used for everything and the consumable guys use it for cutting window blanks.

“We only have the one and it’s always a fight to who gets to use it so I’ve come down to look at it and report back on the chance we might double up.”

Chris said: “where it is priced, compared to the Kongsberg we sold before, it came with one extra tool but was slower and almost double the price.

“We’ve had people come in that have previous tables from us and they held off buying but coming in they say ‘I didn’t want to like it but I really do’.

“Now they are at a more affordable price we are seeing a different kind of customer base. Previously most people before were used to the kit and knew about how to operate one now we have interest from those not so familiar with cutting tables and so we’ve had to change our approach to showing them.”

The two days were great for all involved. To learn about the new kit or see the popular machines in person, have questions answered and even place an order.

It was great as well for novices to come and just get a feel for parts of the market. Whether in the market or not open days can be a great time just to do some market research and perhaps leave with a few ideas and names.

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