WCC invests in Mimaki technology from CMYUK to launch new vehicle graphics division
Wednesbury Commercial & Car Ltd (WCC) has made a strategic investment with the purchase of a Mimaki JV300-160plus integrated printer/cutter from CMYUK. This new eco-solvent printer is set to be the cornerstone of the business’ newly launched vehicle graphics division.
WCC is a commercial vehicle centre of excellence, specialising in paintwork, accident repairs and body building. It operates nationally with 2 sites in the West Midlands. Owned and run by two families, it was founded in the mid 80s, and over the years has grown from strength to strength.
In the last 12 months, Mike Wright, son of Paul (WCC partner) and his wife, Ange, (admin, accounts & payroll) joined the business as Commercial Director to modernise systems and processes, whilst focussing on further growth and opportunities.
Historically, WCC’s business focussed on painting new or mid-life commercial vehicles as well as accident repair. Over time, the demand to incorporate logos and other livery elements grew, which was outsourced to external providers. Yes, challenges with quality, dependability, and timely delivery prompted the company to internalise full-service vehicle graphics operations. To spearhead this new department, the business recently welcomed Christian Healey, a seasoned expert in design, printing, and vehicle wrapping.
“Our priority was investing in high quality, reliable production equipment that would deliver without fail. The prospect of informing our customers about delays in their vehicle graphics was not an option. Given the nature of commercial fleets, any downtime for a vehicle directly translates to financial losses for the business.
Mimaki JV300-160plus
The Mimaki JV300-160plus integrated printer/cutter delivers high quality print at speeds of up to 105.9m2 per hr. Combined with a range of clever features for unattended print operations, this powerful eco-solvent printer/cutter offers serious productivity at an affordable price point.
Mimaki’s Advanced Pass System 4 delivers superior quality output at significantly faster print speeds. An integrated Nozzle Check Unit and Nozzle recovery System checks, cleans, and substitutes nozzles to ensure uninterrupted continuous print operations.
An advanced feeding and winding mechanism is included in Mimaki’s advanced take-up unit. This system enables the handling of rolls up to 45kg, and prevents media shifts, for straight-forward, error-free print production.
“The useability of the Mimaki is very simple and it walks you through all the steps itself. I hadn’t used a Mimaki for some time, but coming back to it didn’t seem that much of a challenge,” says Christian.
The JV300-160plus utilises Mimaki SS21 Ink, which is an eco-solvent ink that has GreenGuard Gold certification, offering industry standard longevity and reliability. With a wide colour gamut, this ink enables the reproduction of brilliant, intense, and vivid colours. An option to extend the standard inkset with additional orange, light black, white, and metallic inks means that users can match up to 95% of all PANTONE colours.
A unique MAPS4 algorithm calculates the most effective way of jetting ink droplets, so there is no visible banding or uneven colours.
Summarising the business’ new in-house service, Mike observes, “We’re still in the early days of setting up the new department, but customers are very positive as it means as soon as their vehicles come out of paint they don’t have to go to another supplier saving them time – essential for commercial fleet management.
We’re already starting to build a team of installers to work in the new department – freeing Christian up to design and operate the JV300-160plus. Producing vehicle graphics for commercial vehicles naturally suits our business, and we trust the Mimaki’s capabilities to underpin our success.”