BG Install, specialists in architectural surface refurbishment and high-performance vinyl wrapping for marine, automotive, and built environments, has strengthened its in-house production capability through strategic investment in advanced printing and finishing solutions from CMYUK.
The company has added a JWEI JCUT Pro 1625 digitalcutting table, Neolt Shield 1650 laminator, before expanding capacity further with the installation of a Canon Colorado M5W large format UV gel printer. Together, these investments enhance BG Install’s ability to deliver complex, high-quality projects with greater speed, efficiency and precision.
Founded in 2016 and run by co-owners Michael Whitehead and Andy Cleal, BG Install has built a reputation for tackling technically demanding and unconventional work, from boat wraps and bi-planes to autonomous drones and even submarines.
“We’ve always focused on delivering exceptional results, particularly on projects that require precision and technical expertise,” says Michael Whitehead, co-owner of BG Install. “Investing in advanced production technology allows us to increase capacity, improve efficiency and maintain the high standards our clients expect, while continuing to take on increasingly complex work.”
Investing in automation to support growth and quality, BG Install’s investment strategy is focused on strengthening production capability while maintaining the quality standards the business is known for.
“Our reputation is built on the quality of the results we deliver, and we stand firmly behind every project,” says Michael. “We made a conscious decision to remain a small highly skilled team that shares the same high standards. Rather than expanding headcount, we have focused on driving efficiencies in production through time-saving processes and automation.”
Neolt laminator removes key bottlenecks
The Neolt Shield 1650 is a high-performance pneumatic roll laminator with a 1650 mm working width, designed primarily for cold lamination but with optional heat assist.
With a built-in air pressure system driven by independent pistons, it adapts automatically to a variety of media thicknesses and surface irregularities, ensuring wrinkle-free lamination even across large formats or roll-to-roll substrates.
“The Neolt has been transformational for us,” says Michael. “It’s significantly faster and more reliable than our previous equipment, allowing us to complete projects more efficiently and with complete confidence in the quality of the finish. It’s improved both productivity and consistency across our workflow.”
JWEI: the get-go difference
The decision to purchase the JWEI digital cutting table enabled BG Install to bring more processes in-house, improving efficiency while expanding the range of services it can offer.
“Previously, certain cutting and finishing was done manually, which was time consuming and limited the types of projects that we could take on,” Michael explains. “The JWEI JCUT Pro1625 allows us to produce pre-cut panels and signage in-house with precision and consistency, giving us greater control over quality and significantly improving installation efficiency.”
The impact of the JWEI JCUT Pro1625 has been immediate and measurable. For a recent project refurbishing lockers and changing rooms at the Quays in Southampton, Michael estimates that 150m of material was saved by pre-cutting everything on the JWEI.
The investment also strengthens BG Install’s ability to deliver architectural refurbishment projects, supporting faster installation and more predictable outcomes for clients. Michael says that the experience of working with Chris Martin (Sales Director, Equipment CMYUK) and the wider team has been exemplary. “I’ve known Chris for some time. There was no sales pressure, and all the information was accurate.”
The installation and training process was also a very positive experience. “We initially had two days of basic training and have just completed another two days of more advanced training. It’s been good doing it this way as we’ve had a chance to use the machine in between and so we knew what we wanted to ask,” says Michael.
“When we had a minor compressor issue, CMYUK’s response was immediate. The customer service is spot on and is one of the reasons why we chose them. The warranty, back-up and work they’ve put into the JWEI made it a no-brainer.”
Canon Colorado – blistering print speeds
With finishing now streamlined, BG Install expanded print capacity by adding the Canon Colorado M5W to its production line, addressing speed constraints and workflow delays caused by outgassing on its previous printer.
The Canon Colorado M5W is Canon’s flagship model in the M series. It offers up to 59 square metres per hour, fuss-free white ink, versatile matte and gloss finishes, double-sided printing, and more.
“As demand for high-quality architectural and specialist print has grown, it became clear we needed a solution that could deliver both speed and consistent quality,” says Michael. “The Colorado M5W allows us to significantly increase throughput, reduce lead times and support a wider range of client requirements.”
BG Install uses the Colorado M5W for vinyl wraps, architectural graphics, signage, stickers and bespoke short-run colour jobs, alongside a wider range of substrates than previously possible.
“The M5W opens up the ability to print on a broader range of substrates that weren’t compatible with our previous printer,” Michael adds. “This gives us greater creative and commercial flexibility, allowing us to explore new applications and respond to client requests that we previously would’ve had to turn down or outsource.
“We already aim to produce as much work as possible in-house, as this gives us greater control over quality, timings, and what we can offer our clients. The M5W strengthens this approach by giving us more capability and flexibility, reducing the need to rely on external suppliers.”
The performance increase has been significant.
“Our previous printer took around ten hours to print 7m at high-quality. The Colorado M5W can achieve the same output under an hour at the highest quality setting,” he says. “This dramatically improves our capacity, shortens lead times, and creates a much smoother, more efficient workflow overall.”
The Colorado is paired with an ONYX RIP and integrates seamlessly into the workflow where the major advantage is speed from print to finish. Says Michael, “There are no outgassing times, meaning we can move straight into finishing and processing as soon as printing is complete. This makes our end-to-end workflow much faster and more efficient. These investments ensure we have the capability to support our growth while continuing to deliver the quality, reliability and technical expertise that our clients rely on,” he concludes.
