Contract wins prompt further investment at Rocket

Contract wins for Rocket have prompted the digital printer to look at buying a second 3.2m-wid EFI Vutek QS to drive expansion and cope with the extra work generated from its first Vutek install earlier this year.

Rocket took on four new staff to meet demand after the March install of its first 3.2m-wide Vutek device, in addition to its existing kit. It hopes to increase its existing output of wide-format work for high-profile brands.

This year, since the last Vutek install, the company, which specialises in outdoor work, created external branding for the ATP Tournament at the O2, The Ashes at The Oval Cricket Ground and a £320,000 contract for the Champions League Final branding. Other new work includes the recently completed snow-effect window graphics for retail giant Uniqlo in its London and Paris branches while it has also boosted its large-format work at bus stops for advertising giant Clear Channel.

Rocket also runs two 2m-wide Vutek printers as well as the 3.2m-wide QS and a 5m-wide Scitex machine. The new QS could go in during the first quarter of 2014, once a deal is signed, with the total investment potentially reaching £200,000, according to commercial director Antony Rider.

The boost in recent contracts has increased the 35-staff firm’s turnover by 25%, prompting the Hertfordshire-based company to bring forward its expansion plans to cater for increased interest and demand, said managing director Tim Porter.

“We’re looking at the additional 3.2m QS printer, a Mimaki printer and a dedicated cutter,” he said. “We’re currently negotiating a further 464sqm of factory space to accommodate this kit. We have very tight timescales and continued investment in staff and kit will help us meet client needs.”

Porter said: “With additional high-end print technologies we can increase output, see bigger scope in the events sector and build greater presence in the retail industry. Our most challenging area isn’t finding the work – it’s how we manage growth across all parts of our business.”