Independent print, signage and digital business Reeds has invested in a new HP Latex R2000 hybrid printer to strengthen its wide- and large-format printing capabilities and take on more, profitable work in these areas.
Operating across specialist facilities in Carlisle and Penrith, the integrated business can trace its roots back almost 150 years to 1878. Reeds trades independently following a management buyout from H&H Group in November 2024, working with clients on a wide range of print, signage and digital projects.
As part of its future growth strategy, the business recently completed a £200,000 investment in new technology, with the HP Latex R2000 at the centre of this initiative. The hybrid flatbed printer was installed at its Penrith site in Cumbria, enabling the company to expand the range of large-format graphics it can produce in-house.
HP Latex R2000 enables higher-value print work
The HP Latex R2000 offers a maximum printing width of 2.5m and can handle both rigid boards and flexible rolls, allowing users to take on profitable work such as larger banners, retail signage, outdoor signage, event graphics, interior wall coverings and point-of-sale displays. Users also benefit from a top printing speed of up to 86sq m/hr in outdoor mode and a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, as well as eight ink colour options including high-opacity white.
“The HP printer gives us true hybrid capability at scale,” said Marco Oliver from the Senior Management Team at Reeds. “We can now run rigid boards and roll materials up to 2.5m-wide on a single platform and keep more of that work in-house.
“For us, the machine combines hybrid flexibility across boards and flexible substrates with high-opacity white ink and consistent colour performance across materials. As such, it opens up new opportunities in POS and display while maintaining the quality and service our customers expect.”
The HP Latex R2000 supports more sustainable print
Marco also spoke about the environmental benefits of taking on an HP Latex machine. All devices in the HP Latex range run HP Latex Inks, which are water-based and, due to their low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, have a reduced environmental impact compared with many solvent, eco-solvent and UV ink technologies.
“The water-based HP Latex Ink technology aligns with the company’s environmental values – which are backed up by a number of certifications – and supports indoor and retail-safe graphics production without the solvent-based processes,” Marco said.
The HP Latex R2000, which was supplied by Papergraphics, was part of a wider investment project at Reeds. In addition to the printer, the company took on a new Trotec laser cutter and a DS-85i folder inserter, which strengthened finishing and mail fulfilment capabilities alongside its wide-format print offering.
“By bringing creative design, commercial litho and digital print, large-format graphics, bespoke signage manufacture, mail fulfilment, website development and digital marketing together within a single business, Reeds enables customers to maintain continuity across every touchpoint – without starting conversations with different suppliers,” Marco added.
“Campaigns can begin with strategy and design, move into commercial print, display or signage production, be distributed through managed fulfilment and direct mail, and continue online through innovative websites and digital marketing activity. The result is consistent execution, simplified project management and greater control across both physical and digital channels.”
