This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of Australian Printer, authored by SS Signs’ Luke Lambourne

2024 was a transformative year for SS Signs, driven by strategic investments and operational growth. One of the standout achievements was the successful implementation of our DigiTech flatbed printer and Aristo cutter, which boosted production efficiency by more than 20 per cent.

We also expanded our capabilities with key equipment purchases, including a guillotine that has the ability to cut up to 6mm steel, a bender for 6mm steel, and is one of the safest aluminium extrusion cutting saws available in Australia.

A major milestone was the expansion of our vehicle and access equipment fleet. We added two scissor lifts, a cherry picker, a tilt truck with a 13 tonne capacity, and a 60 foot knuckle boom.

Owning our access equipment has been a game-changer. It gives us complete control over installation timelines, eliminates the need for third-party rentals, and provides flexibility to take on last-minute projects.

Overall, 2024 marked a year of innovation, efficiency gains, and capacity building, setting us up for further success in 2025.

As someone who has grown up surrounded by the print industry, with both my father and grandfather being well-known figures, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the business.

At just 21 years of age, I’m proud to continue their legacy while carving my own path. In 2025, SS Signs will focus on innovation, growth, and sustainability as we continue to scale our operations.

Key priorities include:

• Launching our online ordering platform: A major milestone for us, this new online website built and designed by myself will streamline the ordering process. Clients will be required to supply production-ready artwork, eliminating the need for graphic design adjustments. This initiative will reduce customer contact, increase efficiency, and provide a better service experience for our clients.
• Accelerating growth in Melbourne: While the region has seen some progress, we are implementing strategies to scale more rapidly. This includes increasing our marketing efforts, expanding our client base, and focusing on building a stronger presence in Melbourne’s signage market. As we focus on growing our Melbourne operations, we’ll look for new opportunities to expand into underserved markets and diversify our client base.
• Sustainability initiatives: We will increase the use of eco-friendly materials and improve our recycling practices. This includes bundling recyclable waste and ensuring it’s sent to the correct facilities. By prioritising sustainability, we aim to meet the needs of environmentally conscious clients while reducing our overall impact on the environment.
• Team development: We’ll invest in training and upskilling our team, ensuring they are equipped to utilise our equipment and technology to their fullest potential while maintaining the high-quality service our clients expect.

The biggest trend in 2025 will be automation, particularly in the automatic loading and unloading of machines. Technologies like automated cutting and online ordering becoming standard. At SS Signs, our streamlined DigiTech and Aristo setup exemplifies this trend.

As print businesses aim to boost efficiency and reduce labour costs, this technology will become a game-changer. By minimising manual intervention, printers can achieve faster production cycles, consistent output quality, and fewer errors.

Sustainability will also take centre stage, with eco-friendly materials, water-based inks, and better recycling processes becoming essential. But a key challenge will be the pressure to adopt sustainable practices while maintaining profitability.

Clients are demanding more eco-friendly materials and processes, but implementing these can be costly and logistically complex. Balancing sustainability with cost-effectiveness will be critical, especially as competition intensifies in an increasingly price-sensitive market.

Custom and on-demand printing will also grow, driven by online platforms that allow clients to upload production- ready artwork for faster turnaround.

This is the most significant opportunity for the industry as businesses are looking for unique, personalised products which present a major opportunity for companies to offer tailored solutions, such as custom signage, branded materials, and specialty prints.

Wide format and specialty printing, including applications like construction mesh and personalised metal signage, will also expand as businesses seek unique solutions. My message to the industry is simple: embrace innovation and automation. The future of print lies in technology, sustainability, and adapting to ever- evolving customer demands. I’m excited to contribute to this transformation and continue driving growth in an industry I’m passionate about.

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