GJ Plastics invests in HP Scitex FB500

GJ Plastics has boosted its service offering after investing in an HP Scitex FB500 industrial printer to broaden the range of substrates it can print on.

The Manchester-based POS and display stand manufacturer opted for the 1.6m-wide entry-level machine to print on stocks such as solid and fluted polypropylene, Foamex and laminated MDF.

According to Graham Croston, director of GJ Plastics, the company produces a range of container and display products such as dump bins, stands and voting stations.

He said: "We use our highly accurate lasers and CNC routers to cut the dump bins in durable 5mm white foam PVC, not cheap 3mm substitutes.

"It is far longer lasting than cardboard because it is not affected by humidity, moisture and general spills. The HP FB500 fits well into our production requirements and quality values."

The company has carried out work for clients such as B&Q, Jewson, Asda, JC Decaux, and Pets at Home.

Croston said using the new HP Scitex machine, supplied by CWE Solutions, and its UV-curable inks enabled the business to print direct to the substrate and bend it to finished shapes without cracking.

"We believe we're the first company in the world to be carrying out this combination of direct printing and bending. This capability can take us into new areas and enable us to design new products," he added.