Debenhams invests in Durst P10 systems

Print Soutions IndPrint

Retail giant Debenhams has invested £1.1 million in new large format systems from Durst. This will ramp up print on-demand capability, as well as quality and firepower to cope with additional demands from store expansion.

Durst, which is now the sole supplier for Debenhams display graphics used in nearly 170 stores across the UK, installed the first system of a two machine investment – the Rho P10 250 HS with three-quarter automation and roll to roll at the start of November.

This first unit will be followed by a second P10 250 HS three-quarter automation at the end of December. Both are for Debenhams’ in-house printing operation, Taunton based Magenta Print & Display, which also supplies other brand owners.

Debenhams is opening five new UK stores – at Rugby, Wandsworth, Bradford, Beverley and Newport – and needs much higher quality graphics for window and other displays at these and its other stores, as well as more textile printing.

Chris Tester, Debenhams director of Print Operations, said: ‘The first Durst Rho P10 250 HS is already a vital part of our operation and has been running virtually non-stop ever since it arrived. We are delighted.

‘Price, quality and performance were all significant considerations, as was print on-demand capability, which is increasingly important. It wasn’t a difficult decision at all. Going forward, Durst provide the systems for all of our display graphics in stores which demand outstanding quality on both flexible and rigid substrates.’

‘Demand for display graphics has increased in recent years. In 2015, the growth in display graphics volume has been around 50 per cent to over 1 million square metres a year. The Durst systems give us firepower to meet those requirements, as well as fantastic quality. It means we can print posters and other graphics and get to all stores within 24 hours providing the artwork is available.’

He added, ‘This investment provides additional capacity and we intend to ensure that this is utilized to benefit other retail clients as well.’

The installation follows on from Debenhams’ investment in a Durst P10 320R and a high-speed Rho 320 HS two years ago.