Print Team (Dorset) Futureproofs Business with Mimaki Investment

Based on the island of Portland, along the famous Jurassic Coast, Print Team (Dorset) has built a strong reputation for quality large format printing since its formation in 1991. A true family-run enterprise, the business is led by company secretary and founder Chris Smith, alongside two of his sons, joint managing directors Martyn and Damian. With Chris’s wife Teresa responsible for print finishing and a dedicated litho printer on the team, the company has long been a trusted supplier of signage, vinyl graphics, and specialist printed products to both local and national customers.

Print Team’s product range is as diverse as its client base, with its customers benefiting from a wide variety of digitally printed products – from engineering-grade labels and estate agent boards to eyeleted banners and bespoke signage for tourist attractions in nearby Weymouth. Situated within the National Sailing Centre development, the company has even supplied cut vinyl boat numbers and lettering to members of Team GB’s sailing squad.

Investing in the future with Mimaki

In early 2025, Print Team’s production capabilities took a significant step forward when the company invested in a Mimaki CJV330-160 printer/cutter from authorised reseller printMAX. Urgently requiring a replacement for their previous printer/cutter that had reached the end of its life, and having heard positive reviews about Mimaki technology, the team saw the investment as an opportunity to futureproof the business.

Chris and his team were impressed with the level of support from both printMAX and UK & Ireland distributor, Hybrid Services, ensuring a rapid installation that minimised disruption. “We couldn’t afford downtime, and the effort they went to in getting the printer to us quickly made all the difference,” Chris noted.

Performance that delivers

Very quickly integrated into the business, the Mimaki CJV330-160 has brought a host of advantages that Print Team is already benefiting from. One standout improvement is the machine’s cutting precision, enhanced by intermediate registration marks generated by the Mimaki RasterLink RIP software. According to Chris, this feature has ensured far greater accuracy in print-and-cut jobs while maximising media usage.

Martyn quickly got to grips with the RasterLink RIP, finding it more intuitive than the system he’d used previously. “In a matter of hours, I was completely comfortable with it,” he said. The enhanced cutting functionality and superior colour matching capabilities have also been major plus points.

Furthermore, the addition of orange ink has proven invaluable, particularly for corporate branding projects. “Estate agent boards, for example, now feature vibrant, colour-accurate prints that stand out far more than those produced on direct-to-board printers. Thanks to the Mimaki’s 8 colour SS21 ink set, the colours really pop,” Martyn observed.

A smarter workflow

Beyond print quality, the CJV330-160 has helped streamline operations. The multi-media roll feed system allows the team to switch between materials effortlessly, saving both space and time. Chris is also particularly fond of the Mimaki’s improved media sheet-off function, describing it as “…accurate and consistent – every time it does it, it’s a winner.”

For a company that produces such a wide variety of printed output, efficiency is key. Print Team’s ongoing plans include further automation and the launch of a new website to enhance customer engagement and order processing.

Winning investment

Whilst Chris and the team have been extremely satisfied with their decision to invest in Mimaki technology, there was an extra surprise in store. After placing the order in December 2024, Chris was entered into a prize draw and won a holiday through Hybrid Services. “We’ve been very pleased with the new Mimaki and it was a very nice surprise to win the break in Spain,” he said.

With their new printer enhancing productivity, colour accuracy, and overall efficiency, Print Team is well-positioned for the future. The investment in the Mimaki CJV330-160 isn’t just about replacing an old machine – it’s about helping take the business to the next level.

Mimaki Sign & Graphics Showcase

Mimaki distributor, Hybrid Services is hosting a Sign & Graphics Showcase on Thursday 29th May. Registration is free via the Hybrid website and the event is designed to enable businesses to discover the latest printing and cutting solutions from the Japanese manufacturer.