FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2004

VUTEK® UltraVu® 3360 SC matches screenprint graphics for Department Stores

Group 360 Display of Missouri, USA, has used its VUTEk® UltraVu® 3360 SC to print in-store graphics for a nationally recognized specialty retailer. Promoting a new 'wellbeing' theme, the retailer's graphics were required to match existing in-store signage printed on offset litho and silkscreen presses.

A short deadline meant that the retailer needed high quality print produced very quickly, so traditional printing methods were not an option. With the UltraVu® 3360 SC, Group 360 could utilize its high-speed print capabilities to meet its deadline while also matching color. Despite production differences between the new and the existing graphics, the visual effect was seamless.

Chuck Michel, Group 360's Executive VP of Sales, comments, 'The accuracy of the UltraVu® 3360 SC enabled us to precisely match the old and new graphics, so both sets could be used alongside each other in-store. We were really pleased with the consistent look and feel of the end result, and so was our client.'

The new images were digitally printed onto self-adhesive vinyl, and then backed onto 12pt cardstock. The UltraVu® 3360 SC was calibrated to match the previous screenprinted graphics, ensuring color print and consistency between all applications.

Measuring a total of 18,529 sq m, the graphics were printed on multiple panels measuring 3.124 sq m. These were then combined to create graphics in two different sizes - 2.8 m x 2.6 m and 1.4 m x 1.3 m. Including internal color tests, printing the graphics took only 22 hours.

The VUTEk® printed graphics were pure white and pale blue in color, designed to reflect the calming and serene benefits of the retailers product range. In one area, nine individual panels were placed on a large board above a counter, to create the image of a lady sleeping.

Chuck explains why the VUTEk® UltraVu® 3360 SC was a key contributor to the results, 'The UltraVu® 3360 SC enables us to turnaround high quality, color consistent graphics in a very short space of time. This job was extremely big, mainly due to the size of the end graphics. The UltraVu® was essential in helping us meet tight deadlines, and enabled us to start shipping the first batch of graphics within two days.

'The VUTEk® UltraVu® 3360 SC's versatility and exceptional print quality were, ultimately, the deciding factors for us. Our research showed that the expected life of a VUTEk® print was up to two years, or five years with a liquid coating applied. We found prints offered by competitive manufacturers only lasted six months. This considered, the durability of a VUTEk® graphic would be a big benefit for clients, with a considerable long term cost saving.'

As well as printing all the graphics, Group 360 designed and produced detailed installation instructions for the retailer's employees. Like a jigsaw, 24 printed panels joined together to create a single image. In total, the printing, finishing and packaging of each store kit, was completed in just 10 days.

Tim Florek, Digital Production Manager at Group 360 says, 'We understand that people in retail aren't experts at installing store graphics. Because of this, our job doesn't end until each graphic is fully installed, ensuring our work looks the best it possibly can.'

Group 360 Inc., of which Group 360 Displays is a division, employs approximately 400 people. Specializing in producing graphics for the display and retail markets, Group 360 Displays installed its three-meter UltraVu® 3360 SC in June 2003. Utilizing its new capabilities, it plans to target the vehicle graphic and outdoor advertising markets in the future.

Chuck concludes, 'We are extremely happy with the performance and print quality of the VUTEk® UltraVu® 3360SC. The success we have had using the VUTEk® printer for this job, has led to us working on similar projects for the same client.

'The VUTEk® UltraVu® 3360 SC has been a big asset to our business development, and since its installation we have been able to attract new clients and explore new markets, such as ambient advertising.'

About VUTEk® Inc.
Founded in 1988, American manufacturer, VUTEk® Inc., is the leading worldwide supplier of superwide format inkjet printers to the graphic arts market. VUTEk® pioneered superwide format printers, and sets the standard for superwide/grand format and specialty printing, using inkjet technology for out-of-home advertising applications including billboards, fleet graphics, banners, bus shelters, point-of-purchase displays and posters. Its current product portfolio includes the UltraVu® product range, for high quality, high speed superwide flexible printing in 1.5-, 2-, 3-, and 5-meter formats; and its PressVu® family of digital inkjet flatbed printers, capable of printing on both rigid and flexible substrates.

All trademarks noted herein are either the property of VUTEk® Inc. or their respective companies.

VUTEk®
Contact: Jane Cedrone
Phone: 603-279-4635
Fax: 603-279-6411
E-Mail: jcedrone@vutek.com
Website URL: www.vutek.com