Melbourne large format printer Vivad is growing its capacities, adding a Durst Rho 512R Plus UV inkjet press and Australia’s first Bullmer 5m cutting table to its ranks.
Ewen Donaldson, owner and managing director says, “The Durst is an additional five metre printer that will complement our existing five metre press. We are buying it to update our existing technology as well as meeting increased demand stemmed from organic growth.
“With Durst, the engineering is far superior to any other machine that I have seen. The componentry is overly engineered, so it has a high reliability. The things just keep running. They can be expensive, but it is a rugged machine. We pay a premium. You can buy cheaper printers but you end up paying for maintenance and when it has issues.
“We have always been seen as a five metre supplier, and it has always been important for us to keep up with the latest technology. We will be increasing our five metre capacity as well as keeping up.”
On the Bullmer cutter, Donaldson says, “We already have a 3.2m Zund cutter, but we are growing and looking to expand. Before this move, we had six printers and one cutter.
“We are ensuring we can deliver short run work, in the time that we are known for.
[Related: Vivad launching W2P at PacPrint]
“A lot of our growth has been organic. We have been around for 18 years. We are a trade printer, we tend to fly under the radar.”
The company launched its web to print platform, Vivitrak 2 at PacPrint in Melbourne, which was also the company’s first time exhibiting at the trade show.
Donaldson says, “At PacPrint last year, we launched our W2P portal, which allows people to upload artwork, add details and view traction of their jobs. They are able to treat Vivad as their own MIS system. Our customers can buy everything online. The print portal has been developed over the last five years and it is what is driving in part our success.
“We also are involved in fabric printing, we upgraded our equipment recently. After PacPrint we bought a Durst textile printer, there is a growing demand for fabrics in retail and signage, as people are moving away from PVC.”
The company’s other equipment include a Durst 500R UV roll press, a Vutek GS3250LX UV flatbed, two 3.2m wide dye sublimation printers; a Vutek Fabrivu 3360 and Teleious Black 2500.
Vivad was established by Donaldson in 2000 and now employs around 20 staff.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter