Sphere UK, founded in 1994, specialises in print, design and direct mail services for a variety of industries, ranging from private commercial companies and educational institutes to health authorities and government bodies. With both litho and digital printing forming a significant part of its offering, Sphere UK has built a reputation around the speed of delivery and the quality of the finished product it provides to its customers. A significant investment in Fujifilm’s plates and plate-making equipment (a Luxel T-6500CTP platestetter, FLH-Z (ZAC) processor, and Superia LH-PJE plates) in late 2017 has further boosted productivity and enhanced the company’s environmental credentials.
The Macclesfield-based printer relies on its reputation to generate business. “We pride ourselves on our customer service and product quality,” says Tony Gilman, IT Director at Sphere UK. “There are no sales representatives at the company – all of our business is either through returning customers or through word of mouth, so it’s imperative we have a high standard of equipment that can produce print work to make a lasting impression.”
“The green credentials of the Luxel T-6500CTP were a strong influence in our decision to invest,” continues Tony. “It uses 30% less power than our previous machine and the ZAC processor allows for a longer bath life and reduced waste. What’s more, it requires low operator intervention – the machine practically runs itself, permitting staff to be used in other important areas of the business.”
“In our sector, reliability and speed of service are vitally important and in the Luxel T-6500CTP we have a dependable, quality machine that is increasing our overall productivity, while enabling us to reduce our carbon footprint, something that is becoming increasingly important, not just in our industry, but across the board.”
Tony is also impressed by the support the company received from Fujifilm: “Fujifilm’s sales and technical teams were very professional throughout the sales and installation process. The level of service we have received, on top of the quality of the products allows me to say that we would recommend Fujifilm and the Luxel T-6500CTP without hesitation.”
Chris Broadhurst, General Manager at Fujifilm Graphic Systems UK, says: “For a company of Sphere UK’s reputation, it was vital that an investment to reduce their carbon footprint did not compromise the quality and speed of its service. We’re delighted that the Luxel T-6500CTP and Fujifilm’s Superia low chemistry plates have helped them achieve this.”
