Arcola Products expands capabilities with key equipment investments

UK – Arcola Products, a specialist in point-of-sale displays and plastic fabrication, has completed several equipment installations since May to handle growing customer needs. 

The Sittingbourne, Kent-based company added two Mimaki JFX 200-2513 EX UV LED flatbed printers, a Trotec laser cutter, and a Mimaki UJV55-320 roll-to-roll printer. 

These moves support operations for brands like Boxxco, focused on Lego display cases, and UK Sign Shop, which produces personalized acrylic signage.

The first Mimaki flatbed printer arrived in May after a visit to reseller CMYUK. Chris Payne, Arcola’s commercial print manager, described it as an impulse decision that delivered clear benefits. 

He noted that the machine’s output quality exceeded expectations, with files printing at reasonable speeds and showing superior results compared to other models. 

Payne highlighted the inks’ strong adhesion, toughness, and scratch resistance, essential for durable applications like Boxxco’s consumer-facing products. 

Each Mimaki JFX 200 costs around US$78,000, making it a practical choice to improve production standards without excessive expense.

This week, the company installed the second JFX 200 flatbed and the US$78,000 Mimaki roll-to-roll printer. 

The new roll-to-roll unit enables in-house production of 3.2-meter-wide rolls, expanding vinyl handling capacity for signage. 

Last week, Arcola added a US$324,000 Trotec laser cutter, its second SP3000 model in two years, to enhance Boxxco’s fabrication processes.

Payne explained that these acquisitions enable the firm to match current sales volumes and manage existing workloads efficiently.

Since relocating to a 6,500-square-meter facility in 2022, Arcola has scaled up significantly. 

The site now houses additional tools, including two 1.6-meter-wide Mimaki roll-to-roll print-and-cut printers. With ample space remaining, the company anticipates entering new markets. 

Payne indicated that future plans involve larger projects to boost capacity, leveraging in-house production, online delivery, and fabrication. 

He mentioned several concepts ready for quick rollout, building on the firm’s integrated setup.

Arcola’s print operations have expanded over the past five years after shifting them in-house.

The company also maintains its own web team and software developers, providing complete control over production. 

Founded in 1966 as Engineering Patternmakers, it has grown into an acrylic fabrication and digital printing provider, offering vacuum forming, laser cutting, CNC routing, and high-end retail displays for major agencies. 

Employing 60 staff, Arcola projects a turnover of US$11-11.7 million this financial year, up from half that size in 2022.

In related developments, Charter Next Generation announced a collaboration with NOVA Chemicals on September 10 to commercialize recycled polyethylene for flexible packaging. 

The partnership uses post-consumer recycled material from NOVA’s Indiana facility, producing over 110 million pounds annually. 

Eric Smith, CNG’s chief procurement officer, stated that this supports circular solutions and meets demand for post-consumer recycled content in sustainable applications.

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