Based in Croydon, Discount Displays has been providing a wide range of products and services for 37 years. As its name may suggest, the company is committed to working with its clients on applications that have a high visual impact, with its offering including posters, banners, board printing, custom signage and exhibition stands.
Discount Displays has been using HP Latex printers to support its diversified service offering for more than 15 years. Its first venture with the technology was in 2009 with the installation of an HP L65500 printer. From here, the company went on to invest in an HP Latex 360 in August 2015 and an HP Latex R2000 Plus in 2019.
Keen to build on this, in March 2023 Discount Displays also purchased an HP Latex 800, with General Manager Giles Fletcher saying the printer has further expanded the company’s ability to take on more demanding and higher-volume projects.
“Initially we chose to invest in HP Latex printers due to the print quality; we have stayed loyal to HP thanks to the reliability and low maintenance of its printers and the engineering back-up provided. This ensures we can continue to reliably provide high-quality printed products for our wide range of customers,” Giles said.
“The job management programme is easy to use so as we expand and when we take on new employees it really helps with getting them up and running quickly.
“Another big advantage for us is the range of materials we can print on. Typically, we are printing boards, banners, banner stands and pop-ups, but the great advantage of these versatile machines is that we can also print self-adhesive vinyl.
“Investment in HP Latex printers has also enabled us to print direct to Foamex and Correx, thus saving labour and ink costs. Additionally, HP Latex technology has enabled us to enter new avenues experimenting with wood to provide eco-friendly alternatives for our customers.”
Environmental benefits
On top of this, Giles said HP Latex ink is also opening new doors for the business. He picked out the planet friendly nature of these inks, saying this makes them more flexible for use in a wider range of projects.
Being water-based, HP Latex inks have much less impact on the world around us than other, standard ink types. In addition, they are odourless and have low volatile organic content (VOC), meaning they can be used in work that is being installed in sensitive environments.
“We have been able to enter new markets, with the odourless HP Latex inks being vital for school and hospitality markets,” said Giles.
“Our ability to print on materials such as wood and eco-friendly boards is opening new markets that are direct to consumers. This is evident with the formation of our new division, ‘Poster Forest’.
“Add in the competitive pricing of 5l bulk HP Latex inks, and we are able to provide high-quality prints and colour for even lower prices for trade, B2B and B2C customers.”
Never one to rest on its laurels, Giles said that Discount Displays is constantly on the lookout for the next opportunity to expand its business, with this likely to include further equipment investment.
“With new materials and printer functions, we are continually looking at ways to expand our capabilities, including investments in further HP Latex printers,” he said.
