Protect Safety Signs purchased the new machines from Canon partner Adapt and both have been installed in the past few months at the Weston-super-Mare-based firm's site, replacing existing Roland DG XC-540s that were sold on privately.

The company has retained some of its other Roland DG printers and also operates a Mimaki flatbed and an Esko Kongsberg X24 cutter.

Using Canon’s UVgel ink, the Océ Colorado 1640 is a 1.64m-wide roll-fed inkjet printer that offers both high image quality and high throughput as well as high levels of automation and a twin-roll feed to support unattended running.

Since their installation, the new printers have enabled Protect Safety Signs to keep up with demand while streamlining its processes.

General manager Andy Roberts said: “Before working with Canon, we had never been able to reliably print and rewind a whole 50m roll of printed media.

“But the Colorado 1640 has transformed our print capabilities and we can now print much faster – 114sqm per hour – without the level of quality being compromised. This change has been such a positive step for the business, and we are extremely impressed with the outcome.”

The new kit has also opened up new opportunities for the business, which is now moving into other areas of signage, including shop fittings.