Small business acquired for growth

PressOn launches new division following VSM buy

PressOn Automotive runs from a newly-fitted site
PressOn Automotive runs from a newly-fitted site

Kent large-format printer PressOn has launched a new vehicle wrapping division following the purchase of Whitstable-based wrapper VSM in December.

The new venture, PressOn Automotive, now operates from a new site in the town, which PressOn has invested over £100,000 in fitting out.

The firm is set to see the delivery of its first printer, an HP Latex 630W, in mid-January, and will use materials from PressOn’s supplier, MetaMark.

Vehicle wrapping has recently become a small but profitable operation for the firm, with PressOn running vehicle wraps through its two Latex R2000 machines. The new dedicated factory will provide a base of growth for PressOn's activity in the market segment.

Andy Wilson, managing director of PressOn, said: “I’ve been looking for ways to grow the business for some time, but as PressOn is already quite diverse in what it does it has been difficult to work out where to go next. 

“James Tilley [from VSM] came to talk to me about 18 months ago, then I had my eyes opened at [Fespa’s] WrapFest, where I realised there’s a whole other industry converging with ours – high-end car detailing that includes protection and colour changing wraps. 

“Then buildings came up near where VSM was so we talked again and decided to set up this new venture. We’ve spent more than £100,000 just fitting the place out - there’s climate control, specialist lighting, non-slip floors and the rest.”

Tilley will head up the new division under PressOn, overseeing three staff transferred over from VSM and two brought in from PressOn. The company is hoping to add to its small team in the coming year.

PressOn is itself a fan of HP Latex technology, installing its fourth in early 2023.