Mimaki JV33 and EPSON 11880 Make Big Impression at BigStuff

09/10/2008

Graphic Printing Technologies (GPT), has installed an Epson 11880 at BigStuff, one of the leading and most innovative large format graphic display companies in the South. The Epson 11880 adds a new dimension to BigStuff’s range of services, bringing unrivalled levels of quality for when the image really counts.

BigStuff has grown steadily since the journey began in 2004 when co-owners Glenne Wheeler and Jim Foster purchased a large format printer on eBay. The company recently moved into new, spacious premises just outside Southampton, which has driven the requirement for more printers and has helped the company develop even more business.

Glenne Wheeler explains, “We were delivering a range of applications with our printer, but had to outsource for more specialist requirements, particularly outdoor displays. This was very frustrating because we felt that other companies were not able to match the level of service, quality and reliability that our customers had come to expect. After our previous move we were able to purchase our own solvent printer, which was a real success for BigStuff. The greater space at our Eastleigh premises has allowed us to purchase more equipment, expanding the range and volume of business that we can provide. Indeed, since we moved in November 2007, our turnover has increased by 25%.”

BigStuff provides stand-out solutions right across the graphic display board. The company has delivered solutions for museums and exhibitions, office interiors, retail point-of-sale, vehicle wraps and general signage. BigStuff works closely with design and creative agencies, allowing them to develop the ideas and backing them up with high quality graphic production, delivered on time with a minimum of fuss. “We take real pride in our work, using the best available materials on the best available printers. We make sure we deliver really high quality solutions to the client’s specifications and we get it there when it’s needed,” says Jim Foster.

As the company has developed, so the need for more printers has grown. A relationship began when the current founders of GPT provided a Mimaki JV3 solvent printer. More recently, GPT has provided a Mimaki JV33 as well as an Epson Stylus Pro 11880. Glenne explains, “Being able to provide a diverse range of applications makes us much more valuable to our customers. Our strength is in large format displays, so it made a lot of sense for us to have the very latest technology in place to allow us to meet a much broader range of customer requirements. The Mimaki covers the outdoor market, while the Epson opens up a range of possibilities for customers needing very high quality, accurate colours and true brand integrity.”

GPT was formed earlier this year to provide complete graphic display solutions to companies just like BigStuff. “There is a lot of choice out there when it comes to printers. It is important for us to work with a company that can understand our business and how we work so that they can deliver solutions that can fit in quickly and effectively. GPT have an awful lot of knowledge of the market and we trust them to put together solutions that work well for us. With the Mimaki and Epson printers, we have an excellent combination of speedy production in the solvent and really high quality with the Epson,” says Glenne.

He continues, “The quality of the Epson is unmatched by anything else we have seen. We had been looking for a printer to give us this level of quality for some time and are really happy to now have the 11880. It is perfect for roll-up banners and pop-ups, as well as point of sale displays where image perfection is essential to maintain brand integrity. The more we use the 11880, the more potential we are seeing.”

Business is looking good for BigStuff. As well as printed displays, the company can offer a range of alternative signage, such as acrylic lettering and even stainless steel. “For us, it is all about making our customers’ lives easier. We want them to want to work with us because we can deliver what they need whatever the requirement. By working with large format supply companies like GPT and Colourgen, we can be confident of having the very latest technology in place that is both reliable and well supported,” adds Jim.

Glenne Wheeler concludes, “Our relationship with GPT is very much a partnership. They are always responsive to any issues or requirements we have they have been able to keep us up to date with new equipment and media in the market. We are looking forward to getting the most out of the new Epson 11880, delivering a range of innovative displays for customers that demand absolute accuracy and quality for the brand image.”