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Design and wide-format print company, KGK Genix, purchased a Kudu wide-format printer from swissQprint after seeing it in action at The Print Show 2024
Design and wide-format print firm, KGK Genix, has purchased a swissQprint Kudu flatbed printer to expand its wide-format offerings. The purchase marks the Harlow-based firm’s first purchase of swissQprint technology.
KGK Genix first encountered the machine on swissQprint's stand at The Print Show 2024, where the company demonstrated its ability to combine flatbed printing capabilities with roll-to-roll functionality.
KGK Genix followed up its viewing with a demonstration at swissQprint’s UK headquarters in Bracknell. Graham Pitts, managing director at KGK Genix, was reportedly impressed by the Kudu’s performance, speed, and versatility, purchasing the machine immediately after the demonstration. The Kudu was then installed at KGK Genix’s Essex production centre on December 2nd.
Commenting on the installation, David Pitts, production director at KGK Genix, says: “We needed a new machine to elevate our offering, and the Kudu has delivered on all fronts with its speed, flexibility, and sustainability credentials.
“It’s potentially the best machine we’ve ever had and hopefully signals the start of an exciting new relationship with swissQprint.”
The Kudu’s 3.2m × 2m flatbed system allows for printing on rigid materials including thin card and double-sided media. The media is held securely during the printing process with a vacuum table, designed to address limitations previously encountered with hybrid machines.
Equipped with eight channels, the Kudu accommodates CMYK, white, varnish, and UV ‘neon’ inks. The machine also has the ability to print multiple layers of ink, enabling textures and other haptic effects to be added.
SwissQprint spoke to SignLink about the capabilities of its ‘neon’ effect inks in a video released shortly before The Print Show.
Stephen Pridham, sales manager at swissQprint UK, explained: “The neon inks glow really well under UV light. That application has been used a lot in the retail sector: brand aware companies are using it a lot to attract customers’ attention, it’s very poppy and lively.
“But we’ve also demonstrated how they can be mixed in with other inks and colours as well. It’s really great for the advertising market, helping to bring an image to the fore without the sign needing to be self-illuminated.”
KGK Genix also highlighted the Kudu’s sustainability features as a key reason behind the purchase, aligning with the company’s goal of reducing its environmental footprint. The Kudu reportedly uses just 2.2kWh of electricity, equivalent to the consumption of an average kettle.
Pete Smallwood, regional sales manager at swissQprint, adds: “We’re thrilled to see the Kudu in action at KGK Genix.
“This machine enables them to push creative boundaries and offer even more striking designs, including neon effects and textures, to their clients. We’re proud to support them as they continue to grow and innovate.”
KGK Genix also recently announced the relaunch of its Student Retail Design and Careers competition, which gives UK college students the chance to showcase designs and gain experience in the retail design industry.
The competition, which is returning for its third year, will see students design a retail concept for the Dune London brand. Previous winners of the competition have been hired as full-time employees, with previous editions including collaborations with Nike and Superdry.
The competition kicks off on January 1st, 2025. Those wishing to enter the competition have been encouraged to enquire for more information by sending an email to enquiries@kgkgenix.co.uk.
