Metropole doubles up with EFI investments

Paris-based superwide graphics provider Metropole has moved to strengthen its service offering by investing in two EFI VUTEk wide format printers.

The VUTEk FabriVU 520 soft signage machine has the ability to produce print in qualities of up to 2,400dpi and offers four-level greyscale printing with 4-18 picolitre drop sizes. The device can operate at speeds of up to 157sq m/hr in point-of-purchase quality mode and has a maximum operating speed of 446sq m/hr.

Metropole’s new VUTEk LX3 Pro hybrid roll/flatbed LED inkjet printer measures in at 3.2m wide and is able to print on both rigid and flexible substrates up to 5.08cm thick. The machine has multilayer printing capabilities in eight colours plus white, with true 600 dpi or 1,000 dpi resolutions, and also features ‘cool-cure’ LED technology, which EFI says helps users to offer their own customers a more environmentally friendly service.

Patrice Boquého, associate director at Metropole, said the purchase of the two EFI machines forms part of the company’s ongoing investment strategy, which has in turn enabled the firm to respond to the ever-changing demands of its customers.

“Thanks to continued investment, we have been able to offer our clients a production operation capable of producing any creation,” Boquého said.

“Our purchasing policy aims for exceptional equipment. That is why over the past year, we have acquired new superwide technologies, a unique offering in our territory.

“The EFI VUTEk FabriVU 520 and the VUTEk LX3 Pro, which recently arrived, reinforce this policy. They allow for more creative freedom and that creates real advantages for our market.”

Metropole boasts revenues of €19m ($22.2/£17.3m) and has a total workforce of 90 staff. The company operates out of workshops and offices spanning 3,000sq m and offers a host of services to its customer base, ranging from the original printing phase, through to desktop publishing and design, management of administrative requests, finishing work and on-site installation of printed jobs.

Speaking about the need to invest in order to remain competitive in a crowded market, Boquého said: “In our profession, everything is based on quality and responsiveness.

“In this very competitive market where the clients are more and more demanding, you have to know how to put forward ideas, innovative solutions, and a complete service - as well as maintain deadlines - to be different, because decisions are made later and later and no matter what happens, the printing remains the last link in the chain.”

The opportunities for digital print are seemingly endless and FESPA Mexico 2017 will be paying tribute to this throughout the event next month. Coupled with a host of major manufacturers, and a plethora of new kit, FESPA Mexico is the place to be if you want to get ahead in wide format print. 

Register today to attend FESPA Mexico and get your free entry

Taking place from May 21-23 at the Citibanamex Centre, in Mexico City, the exhibition will play host to many major brands from across the global industry.

For more information on FESPA Mexico 2017, the companies that will exhibit and to sign up to attend as a visitor, visit: www.fespamexico.com

Delegates can get FREE entry by registering via the website and quoting reference code: MEXH718. Discover how a visit to FESPA Mexico can benefit your business and register today.