ARC UK, a leading provider of wide format digital print and creative design services, has announced its latest investment in the Fujifilm Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED, installed at its headquarters in Dartford, Kent. This cutting-edge wide format printer was conceived and designed just down the road, in Broadstairs, Kent, at Fujifilm’s Wide Format Inkjet Headquarters. The inks that power the printer are designed and produced at the same Broadstairs site, and the inkjet technology and market-leading ink in combination, are enabling ARC to deliver a combination of superior print quality, greater versatility, and faster turnaround times. The installation marks a significant step forward in ARC’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, providing a strategic advantage in the highly competitive UK print market.
With deep local roots, ARC is proud to use locally designed technology and locally produced inks in support of Kent businesses. This investment highlights ARC’s commitment to the local community while continuing to serve businesses nationwide.
The investment in the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED has provided ARC with the tools to significantly expand its printing capabilities. The machine’s hybrid technology allows for high quality printing on both rigid and flexible media and is an ideal solution for ARC UK Technologies’ broad range of applications, which include: printed packaging solutions; fabric printing; graphic design; retail displays and banners; digital printing services; and event tradeshows graphics.
ARC’s business portfolio also includes wayfinding and signage projects for numerous well-known brands around the globe, including Accenture, Adidas, Boston Consulting Group, PwC and Shell.
Darren Moorhouse, Head of Sales EMEA, ARC Technologies comments, “At ARC Technologies, we pride ourselves on delivering world-class products with high quality and bespoke print solutions for branding and signage applications. The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED has given us the ability to take on more jobs than ever. It prints remarkably high quality on both rigid and flexible media, and thanks to its LED curing technology, it has massively increased our throughput and transformed our business, all while lowering our energy consumption”.
Printing at speeds of up to 315 m²/hr (RTR) and delivering a print resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi, the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED combines ultra-high quality and a competitive return on investment.
Sustainability has always been a cornerstone of ARC’s business strategy, and this investment aligns perfectly with its environmental goals. ARC is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and has already achieved carbon-measured accreditation and ISO certification for environmental management. The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED further supports this mission, allowing ARC to reduce its energy consumption and chemical usage while maintaining high production volumes.
Ross Snell, Vice President EMEA, ARC Technologies comments: “The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED perfectly aligns with our company’s mission to deliver fast turnaround times while minimising our environmental impact. The hybrid capabilities allow us to do more in-house, which significantly reduces outsourcing and the associated emissions. It’s been a game-changer for us in terms of efficiency and sustainability”.
It also perfectly aligns with the company’s mission to deliver fast turnaround times while minimising its environmental impact. For example: ARC Technologies is involved with a Print & Plant initiative, in partnership with the non-profit organisation One Tree Planted. Print & Plant is a reforestation effort based on the volume of paper ARC’s clients print – whereby one tree gets planted for every 833 sheets.
ARC’s decision to partner with Fujifilm for this investment underscores the company’s trust in Fujifilm’s innovative print technologies and excellent customer support. The relationship between ARC and Fujifilm has been instrumental in the seamless installation and integration of the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED into ARC’s production process.
Snell comments: “Fujifilm has been an amazing partner. They listened to our feedback and adapted the machine to meet our needs, particularly in working with new materials. The speed and throughput are unmatched, and Fujifilm’s support has ensured that the installation was seamless. We’re excited about the future and believe Fujifilm is the perfect partner for our business”.
ARC’s investment in the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED has already garnered industry recognition. The company recently won the Wide Format Category at the prestigious Innovation Print Awards 2024, further solidifying its reputation for delivering high quality print solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
Shaun Holdom, Business Development Manager, Fujifilm Wide Format Inkjet Systems, adds: “ARC Technologies invests in the best printing technologies, which puts it in a position to say yes to any job its customers ask for. We’re proud to support its journey as it adds the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED to its fleet of printers, further strengthening its capability to expand its product portfolio.”
