Signs and Labels Hereford elevates production with Canon Colorado M5W

Mar 21, 2025 | Installation News

IMG 6559 Signs and Labels Hereford elevates production with Canon Colorado M5W

Ross Hughes pictured with the Canon Colorado M5W

Signs and Labels Hereford has elevated its production capabilities with the addition of a Canon Colorado M5W from CMYUK.

Since installing the 1.6m-wide UVgel printer, the investment has streamlined workflow, improved efficiency, and positioned the business for future growth – all while enhancing sustainability.

Prior to the installation, Signs and Labels had been running a Roland solvent printer alongside an Arizona hybrid. However, demand was beginning to outstrip capacity, with the solvent output requiring degassing and lamination, which increased production time and material costs.

Director, Ross Hughes, said: “The solvent printer just wasn’t keeping up, and even the Arizona, while faster, wasn’t quick enough when things got really busy. We needed a high-performance roll-to-roll solution, and the Colorado M5W was the obvious choice.”

Although the Colorado was already on the company’s radar, the opportunity to invest arose when a local government grant became available, offering up to 75% funding for businesses in the Hereford region investing in eco-friendly technology.

Switching from solvent to UVgel technology significantly reduced Signs and Labels’ environmental footprint, reducing solvent inks and cutting down on laminates. The move aligned perfectly with the grant’s objectives.

Mr Hughes added: “With support from CMYUK and Canon, we secured the funding and were able to invest in the Colorado sooner than we originally planned. The transition to UV printing is a win-win. It lowers costs, improves efficiency, and makes our production more sustainable.”

Since installation, the Colorado M5W has delivered significant operational benefits to the company. Its UVgel technology prints faster than its previous solvent and hybrid systems, making it easier to keep up with demand. Now white ink can be printed effortlessly, vastly improving turnaround times.

The M5W also negates the need for laminates, cutting down on plastic waste and material costs, while UVgel inks minimise consumption, further enhancing efficiency. Its unique capabilities, including gloss/matte combinations and flexible printing capabilities enable the business to offer premium services, and expand its revenue streams.

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