GPT is preferred supplier of Mimaki JV33 solvent printers for FASTSIGNS®

05/04/2010

With more than 500 franchises worldwide offering a complete range of custom signs and graphics products, the choice of printer and supplier is of paramount importance to the sign industry’s leading franchise, FASTSIGNS®. The company regularly reviews and tests the latest technology to make sure it offers the best possible solutions to its customers and for its franchisees.

Recently, FASTSIGNS International selected the Mimaki JV33 as its chosen solvent printer and in the UK, FASTSIGNS® has selected Graphic Printing Technologies (GPT) to supply and support them.

An international company based in the US, FASTSIGNS has 21 centres in the UK, and while each one operates as a standalone business, they are all capable of delivering a complete range of graphics and display printing services. “We insist that large format printing is in place as part of each franchise’s initial setup,” says Garth Allison, Managing Director for FASTSIGNS® UK. He adds, “This means we can fulfil our core objective from each franchise, which is to provide a complete one-stop-shop for local and national businesses.”

Solvent printing is a key component of this delivery and the selection of the Mimaki JV33 as the solvent printer of choice was made after exhaustive testing in the US. “We are happy to take on the recommendations of the US as they are looking to fulfil all the criteria we need for delivering comprehensive printing solutions. The Mimaki JV33, together with the Mimaki cutting plotter provides a hugely versatile, reliable and cost-effective system, which is proving hugely successful at franchises across the UK and the world,” says Garth Allison.

As well as selecting the printing solutions for its franchisees, FASTSIGNS® wants to ensure reliable and consistent delivery, installation, training and support. To provide this, the company has turned to Slough-based GPT. Allison explains, “I have worked with Stuart Cole [GPT’s Managing Director] for more than five years and have always had an excellent relationship based on mutual trust. When he started GPT it was a very easy decision for us to make to work with the new organisation on the basis that they continued to provide high levels of support and after-sales care. I am delighted to say this has been the case.”

GPT Keeps FASTSIGNS® Running over Christmas

The most recent FASTSIGNS® centre to open was in Derby last December. Gill Brown, owner of the FASTSIGNS® Derby business, explains how GPT has helped the company. “We started talking to GPT back in October to let them know what we wanted. They were very helpful, inviting us in to look at the printer and get some initial demonstrations and training. They really took the time to help us, answering questions and making us feel comfortable with the printer and cutter. When we launched the business, everything was delivered when promised and was up and running really well.”

She continues, “We had a problem on Christmas Eve and feared that we would lose an entire week’s work over the Christmas period. Not so! GPT managed to get an engineer to us straightaway and meant we didn’t lose business between Christmas and new year.”

Garth Allison adds, “We have an excellent working relationship with GPT. Whenever we get issues at any of the businesses, I can honestly say that GPT has gone further than we could normally expect. We can just pick up the phone and things get sorted quickly and properly. This is the most important element of a supplier relationship for the FASTSIGNS® group and its franchisees.”