MacroArt takes on new apprentices and eyes further growth

MacroArt won nearly £1m of new business in 2020
MacroArt won nearly £1m of new business in 2020

Wide-format printer MacroArt is aiming for growth during 2021 after securing nearly £1m of new business in 2020 and is taking on three new apprentices later this month.

The St Neots-based firm is maintaining its apprentice programme during 2021 with the new recruits set to start as print technicians in mid-February.

The bespoke programme, supported by learning provider Learn2Print, delivers in-depth training in all areas of the company’s business, including printing, hand finishing, cutting and stitching, developing trainees’ skills along a Level 3 print technician pathway, which is equivalent to three A-Levels.

Despite the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the business plans to continue to build on the new business it won last year, which saw it take on work from markets including the museum and property sectors to counter the downturn in demand from the lack of live events.

“2020 was undoubtedly a tough year, but our successes during this time proved that there was still a requirement for high-quality print display solutions,” said MacroArt managing director Michael Green.

“The expertise of our people in delivering the highest standards in print finishing and colour consistency was crucial to these wins, and as markets start to open up again, it is essential that we continue to offer a highly skilled workforce supported by the very latest in printing technology.”

The company is also planning to invest in new equipment and system enhancements during 2021.

“It is clear that 2021 will still be very challenging, but we are making sure we have all the resources, skills and product innovations to maximise opportunities and be ready to meet any upturn in demand, with print solutions of the highest quality, delivered on time and to budget,” said Green.

Last year MacroArt secured £3.3m in additional working capital after proving its continued growth following an MBO in 2014.

It had been sold to a team comprising then-managing director James Jennings, then-commercial director Green and sales director Matthew Guise with backing from YFM Equity Partners following the death of founder John Walker in 2013.

In 2018 the company added two Durst machines to its portfolio and increased its factory size to 4,088sqm.