Core Exhibitions has boosted its production power with the arrival of a Mimaki UJV55-320 UV LED roll-to-roll printer from CMYUK. This marks the Oxforshire-based company’s first move into super-wide textile printing. It also completes its ambition to offer a fully self-sufficient production service for exhibitions and event environments.
The UJV55-320 joins an existing Mimaki flatbed, a CNC digital cutter, and other roll-to-roll printers, forming the heart of a busy, creative production hub.
“The Mimaki just ticked every box. It does exactly what we need, beautifully and reliably, and it was at the right price point. It’s easy to use, the quality’s great, and it’s built for busy production,” says Steve ‘Clem’ Clements, Director.
The Mimaki UJV55-320 a pandemic reinvention
Founded in 2019, Core Exhibitions specialises in portable and modular display systems that deliver flexibility and a lighter environmental footprint. The team provides a complete end-to-end service from design through to manufacture, installation, breakdown, and logistics.
Like everyone in the live events industry, Core faced its share of upheaval during the pandemic. Rather than give up, the company regrouped, secured fresh investment, and came out the other side.
“Coming out of COVID, we were a completely different animal,” says Clem. “Our investor helped us stabilise and invest in the right technology. Since then, we’ve built a brilliant team, upgraded our kit, and we’re in the strongest position we’ve ever been.”
This latest investment continues the upward trajectory. The Mimaki UJV55-320 is opening new opportunities for the business in super-wide textile display graphics, including lightboxes, tension frames, and single piece wallcoverings. The company has also recently invested in an automated sewing machine, to support this burgeoning textile growth.
A family of brands
Core Exhibitions is the central business within a wider group that includes Core Signs & Graphics, Core Event Structures, and Innov8 Displays. While Core Exhibitions delivers full-service stand design and build, its sister brands cover signage, vehicle wraps, bar and event hire, and self-build modular systems sold online through Innovate Displays. It is also the official UK representative for Space Display, a well-established international brand supplying roll-up banners, pop-ups, and modular display hardware.
“All the brands overlap,” Clem explains. “They share the same team, the same building, and the same production resources but they each speak to different audiences. Our signage clients might never go to a trade show, and our exhibition clients don’t need vehicle wraps. The Mimaki allows us to serve all those markets more efficiently, under one roof.”
Core Spots Mimaki UJV55-320 at CMYUK Open Day
Core saw the Mimaki UJV55-320 at one of CMYUK’s regular Open Days. With its 3.2-metre width, dual-roll capability, 1200 dpi resolution and inline LED lightbox for on-the-fly backlit print inspection, this printer provides speed, precision, and flexibility for banners, window and floor graphics, billboards, single piece wallcoverings, soft signage, backlit displays and more.
The move towards textiles
It’s the company’s first super-wide in-house textile printer and represents a natural next step for the business. Until now, all textile work had been outsourced, limiting flexibility and control, however, bringing this capability in-house has transformed operations.
“It’s been a total game-changer,” Clem says. “We can now print all our textile graphics ourselves – lightboxes, tension frames, soft signage – and it’s made a huge difference to profit margins, lead times, and creative freedom. We can experiment, test, and respond instantly.”
It has also opened up trade textile printing opportunities, particularly through Innov8 Displays and Space Display UK.
The printer runs a selection of UFABRIK textiles supplied by CMYUK, including UFABRIK UV Blackback and UFABRIK Backlit ECO, which are both PVC-free, fire-retardant materials that deliver vibrant colour and a premium finish.
“The Mimaki and UFABRIK combination gives us a complete solution,” Clem adds. “It means we can print every part of a stand or event space ourselves, from rigid panels to soft fabrics, and know the quality’s consistent throughout.”
Working with CMYUK
Partnering with CMYUK, in particular its Commercial Director, Sue Hayward and Sales Director, Chris Martin, has been key to making this next-step investment a success. “CMYUK really understands where you’re coming from,” says Clem. “It’s not just about selling you a printer, it’s about helping you build a stronger business. The communication, advice, and patience have been spot on. You feel they’re genuinely invested in your success.”
Future-ready production hub
With its new mezzanine production area, upgraded offices, and growing team of 11, Core Exhibitions has become a fully equipped, self-contained production hub. “This investment has completed the circle for us,” Clem concludes. “For the first time, we can produce absolutely everything in-house. It’s the independence we’ve always dreamed of, and it’s taking us, and our clients, to the next level.”
