1800 Projects, a leading signage and branding company, is renowned for delivering high-quality, fast-turnaround solutions for major venues, events, and corporate branding.
To maintain its competitive edge, the team – led by Ben Browning and Brent Nassibian – sought a reliable, high-performance printer that could meet the growing demands of their clients. The decision to invest in the Canon Colorado M-Series has since transformed their operations.
The challenge
Prior to adopting the Canon Colorado M-Series, 1800 Projects faced several hurdles. Meeting tight deadlines while maintaining high print quality was a constant challenge. Relying on external print providers often led to delays and reduced control over project timelines. Test print waste also created inefficiencies, and ensuring the durability of outdoor branding – especially for stadiums – was a persistent concern. The company needed a solution that would streamline production, reduce external dependencies, and deliver consistent, long-lasting results.
The decision-making process
To make an informed investment, the team explored various technologies – including latex alternatives – and ran outsourced test prints to assess performance.
“Attending trade shows and witnessing the printer’s reliability firsthand solidified our confidence,” 1800 Projects managing director Ben Browning said.
Insights from industry peers also influenced their decision. At a recent 3M conference, conversations with business owners already using Canon and 3M products reaffirmed the value of investing in premium materials and advanced technology.
Transforming production with the Canon Colorado M-Series
Adopting the Canon Colorado M-Series was a turning point. The printer’s UVgel technology delivered exceptional image quality while optimising ink usage – both cost-effective and environmentally responsible. Bringing 90 per cent of print production in-house drastically improved turnaround times and operational efficiency.
The M-Series enabled 1800 Projects to confidently handle large-scale projects such as Allianz Stadium and Matildas event branding. Superior adhesion and print durability ensured outdoor graphics stayed vibrant and intact longer than traditional methods. The printer’s ability to handle eco-friendly substrates such as eco boards and display board further aligned with their sustainability goals.
Real world impact: Stan office branding
One of 1800 Projects’ most ambitious projects involved branding more than 400 square metres of Stan’s corporate office – across multiple surfaces within just two weeks. The job demanded full-wall and window graphics with complex layering, transparency effects, and quick turnarounds on revisions. The Colorado’s speed and reliability enabled seamless last-minute artwork changes without compromising quality.
“Without the Colorado, executing a project of this scale on deadline would’ve been impossible,” said Browning.
Overcoming industry challenges
1800 Projects continues to innovate beyond printing. For stadium graphics, they adopted a technique using waterproof outdoor poster paper applied with wallpaper glue, avoiding peeling and extending lifespan, methods that, combined with the M-Series’ advanced capabilities, keep them ahead of competitors using lower-quality solutions.
The impact: A new era of printing
Since adopting the Canon Colorado M-Series, 1800 Projects has significantly improved efficiency, met tight deadlines, and delivered premium results with greater consistency. Reduced reprints and in-house control have expanded their service offerings and led to exclusive contracts and referrals. Their reputation for quality has made them a go-to provider for stadium-wide branding projects.
“What 1800 Projects has achieved with the Colorado M-Series is a great example of how technology and vision come together,” Steven Badger, head of sales and professional services at Canon Production Printing Australia, said.
“Their innovative spirit and drive to push boundaries is exactly what the Colorado was built for – fast, flexible, high-quality production without compromise.”
Looking ahead
With the upcoming release 4.5 firmware update, the Canon Colorado M-Series will gain new soft signage capabilities, increasing its versatility for future projects. 1800 Projects remains committed to staying ahead through innovation and cutting-edge printing technology.
Integrating the Canon Colorado M-Series has set a new standard for excellence at 1800 Projects. Their ability to deliver high-quality, durable, large-scale branding solutions at speed has solidified their position as industry leaders. Whether branding stadiums, offices, or events, Canon’s technology is the backbone of their success – fuelling creativity and delivering outstanding results.”
This article first appeared in the June issue of ProPrint magazine. Read the original article here.
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