PrintRepublic has started the year with a move into hardware sales, notching up the sale of its first wide-format printer.


High Wycombe-based Brier Press has ordered an Ilford Ilfostar NovaJet 850 to complete its line-up of presses.


It will use it to produce large-format work ranging from banners to fine-art canvas prints.


"Our aim is to encompass all electronic imaging to complement litho. We can supply all forms of ink on paper," said managing director George Harold.


Brier is already a PrintRepublic client for film and plate.

Harold said he liked the way the firm used the web to cut costs while maintaining the personal touch with a sales team.


"The lesson we've learned is that customers aren't going to transact online overnight," said PrintRepublic managing director Peter Petyt. "In the short to medium term it's good old-fashioned selling; print is a people business."


PrintRepublic is looking to add further hardware and services to its range of consumables throughout the year, and claimed to be close to completing several deals.


Story by Barney Cox