The machine, which was installed on 24 March, replaced an Impala 3 from the manufacturer at the Ely, Cambridgeshire-based business.
The fifth-generation wide-format printer was unveiled in January. Horizon, which serves technology brands and retailers, opted for four colours with white, varnish, and neon yellow, while its machine also incorporates a roll-to-roll option.
While predominantly a design agency, the business had initially moved into in-house manufacturing to serve the needs of an evolving market. Having operated a range of machines at first, in 2021 it bought a SwissQprint Impala 3 flatbed to replace these.
Andrew Moss, director at Horizon, said: “The reason we went into manufacturing was because customers were pushing for everything quicker, faster, cheaper, better and simpler. The Impala 3 revolutionised our work and gave a real edge to our phenomenal design team from its arrival.”
The Nyala 5 is on average up to 23% quicker and in certain quality modes over 80% faster. It can print at speeds of up to 253sqm/hr and offers high quality and various sustainability benefits.
“Most of our clients are tech brands and expect the very best. Technology is always evolving, and the POS market must reflect this constant evolution. Innovation is key and our new Nyala enables us to better produce exceptionally creative work,” Moss added.
The special features available with the machine will enable Horizon to bring images such as steam from a kettle or beams of reflective silver light to life.
The machine’s UV varnish enhances the print aesthetic as well as improving chemical and cleaning resistance while the neon will enable the company to hit bright greens and oranges.
The machine’s high level of energy efficiency – it consumes an average of 2.2 kilowatt-hours of electricity; the same as an average kettle – will also support Horizon’s drive towards sustainability.
The business holds an ISO 14001 certification for environmental management systems and is reducing its energy consumption. It has also invested in solar power, which produces 60% of its power during the summer months.
“As an investment, the Nyala 5 hits the sweet spot for us. We can deliver exceptional print for 10 hours a day trouble-free. We’re really pleased to have the machine as part of our production and continue the strong partnership with SwissQprint,” Moss said.
Erskine Stewart, managing director of SwissQprint UK, also commented: “Horizon is a business where quality and speed to market are non-negotiable.
“The demands of their tech clients mean that the Nyala 5 is the best wide-format printer in the market to meet these challenges. We’re delighted that Horizon has become the first UK customer of this state-of-the-art next generation machine.”
Founded in 2009, Horizon today has a turnover of £10m and employs 75 staff.
