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Making informed choices
Robert Horne Group is synonymous with offering printing substrates to the commercial print sector. Building on this experience the Group has invested in developing what is claimed to be the largest, most comprehensive range of wide format digital print hardware, software and consumables.
Recognising customers don't necessarily just want to purchase a single item of digital hardware, the company also offer aqueous, solvent and large flatbed printers, plus laminators, media, inks, RIPs and colour management facilities: all supported by an in-house team of advisors and technicians.
Robert Horne also recognised the importance of helping customers make the right choice for their business, assisting them to develop new added-value services, therefore maximising return on investment. This is particularly important with commercial printers who are increasingly aware of the exciting new business opportunities that wide format digital can open up.
Robert Horne Group aims to make selection and choice easy by bringing together brands including: Roland, Canon, Mimaki, Vutek, Seal, Zund, Signlab and Onyx. This way the company has created a digital solutions offering, all under one virtual roof, that can be matched to customers' specific needs.
One company to benefit from this ‘total solutions' approach is Runcorn-based PS2 Digital. Since July 2007 it has purchased a Mimaki JV5 160SP solvent printer, Mimaki 160 CG-FX vinyl cutter, Seal 62 Pro laminator, Seal Base laminator and software/RIP Onyx Postershop 7, plus PC hardware and an air purification unit.
These additions to its existing portfolio of Xeikon, NexPress and Heidelberg has ensured it is perfectly prepared to enter and embrace the wide format market, offering its customers the latest sale and signage solutions, including banners and posters for interior and exterior applications. Robert Horne is also supplying a range of substrates for these machines, plus its service offering of product and technical know-how.
PS2 Digital's production director, Peter Lewis, explains why Robert Horne was selected as its supplier of choice and how this has enabled PS2 Digital to add value to their existing business: "PS2 Digital has developed a good trading relationship with Robert Horne for our digital and litho materials. On deciding to add to our existing digital print facility by establishing a large format division, we contacted Robert Horne to discuss our proposals, as we were aware of their commitment to wide format digital printing.
"Robert Horne had been supplying materials for our Xeikon 5000 digital web press and NexPress 2500 digital sheet fed press as well as our PM52 five colour litho press and were familiar with the high level of service and expert back up we expected from our suppliers.
"Robert Horne's team of specialists were on hand to provide advice on a variety of machines available in the marketplace and along with their demonstration suites, enabled us to make an informed and balanced decision on the equipment we needed. Robert Horne was able to advise on all aspects of wide and narrow format printing and their back up with regard to the colour profiling of materials and the availability of technical data is second to none. The online ordering system, ESP, has also proved to be extremely useful when we have to order materials out of normal office hours.
"Wide format printing, whether it is outdoor signage or modular exhibition stands, can be a minefield if you do not have the right people on board to control and advise on all aspects of the process. PS2 Digital now has one of the most experienced teams of large format technicians and advisors in the North West, combine this with one of the largest digital print facilities in the north of England, and PS2 Digital is a force to be reckoned with in the digital print market.
"At PS2 Digital our intention is to create lasting relationships with our suppliers to enable us to identify new products, machines and materials, so we can give our client base the very latest solutions to their printing requirements. Robert Horne has helped review our substrate requirements and continue to ensure that we are buying effectively. From an ecological standpoint PS2 Digital has worked closely with Robert Horne to reduce our carbon footprint by combining deliveries of our small and large format stock."
Robert Horne's business director for digital solutions, Kevin Wheeler, added: "We are delighted to work with PS2 Digital. This on-going relationship highlights our commitment to being the complete wide format digital solutions provider for the graphic display sector.
"From input to output, the Robert Horne Group is a partner you can trust and rely on. What's more we can remain completely independent as a supplier and are therefore able to offer customers a balanced view covering all the technology available today.
"We have recently invested £500,000 to improve one of our UK Digital Demonstration Suites. Located in Manchester's Trafford Park Business Centre, the suite has been specifically designed to provide Robert Horne's customers with an opportunity to compare the relative merits of different digital printers and to assess which one is most suited to their particular business needs. You ultimately make the right choice for your business working with a long-term partner who will help you develop new added-value services and maximise the return on your investment."
