Soyang Europe supplies Mimaki UCJV330-160 print-and-cut UV-LED printer to bring production in-house at Blue Sky Signs
Gloucester-based signage and graphics specialist Blue Sky Signs has expanded its production capabilities following the installation of a Mimaki UCJV330-160 print-and-cut UV-LED inkjet printer. Supplied by wide-format hardware and media distributor Soyang Europe, the roll-to-roll device has been integrated to help the business diversify into higher-end creative displays, premium point-of-sale (POS) graphics, and bespoke interior décor.
Blue Sky Signs designs, manufactures, and installs a comprehensive range of internal and external signage, vehicle wraps, and exhibition graphics for both local and national clients. Seeking to meet growing market demand for rapid turnaround times and high-quality finishes, the company required a system that could handle a broader array of substrates and produce complex, layered effects in-house.
Dave Oldfield, Managing Director of Blue Sky Signs, explained the motivation behind the capital investment, “As demand for high-quality, fast-turnaround printed applications continued to grow, we wanted to expand our capabilities and improve production efficiency. We were particularly looking to bring more work in-house, broaden the range of materials we could print onto, and offer clients more creative options, including layered, textured, and specialist finishes that weren’t as easily achievable with our existing setup.”
After reviewing several options, the company chose the Mimaki UCJV330-160, which operates at production speeds of up to 55 square metres per hour with a maximum output resolution of 1800 dpi. Because its UV-LED inks cure instantly under integrated lamps, printed media can be processed immediately without outgassing delays.
“We liked the printer because of its versatility, print quality, and ability to handle a wide variety of applications,” Oldfield said. “The UV technology allows us to print onto more materials, produce vibrant colours, and create layered effects that really elevate the finished product.”
Delivered and commissioned in March 2026, the new machine operates alongside the company’s existing Mimaki solvent printer, laminator, and a BubbleFree application table previously sourced from Soyang. By deploying the UV system, Blue Sky Signs has successfully transitioned short-run, fast-turnaround jobs in-house that were previously outsourced to third-party trade suppliers.
“We’ve been producing window graphics, display graphics, labels, promotional graphics, and interior branding elements,” Oldfield said. “The ability to laminate immediately after print – thanks to the UV drying capability – has opened up opportunities for more creative display and premium POS displays. We can now handle more varied applications in-house, which has increased efficiency and reduced reliance on external suppliers. It has also enabled us to offer new premium print finishes and specialist graphics, helping us win work that we may not have secured previously.”
Oldfield highlighted that this investment provides a strong platform for long-term growth across retail, interior branding, and exhibition markets. He also noted the ongoing supply relationship with Soyang Europe, saying, “Investing in the Mimaki has been an exciting step for us. It strengthens our in-house production capabilities and allows us to offer clients more creative, high-quality solutions. Working with Soyang gave us confidence, as their materials complement the machine perfectly and support the quality we aim to deliver. The combination of the Mimaki technology and Soyang materials ensures we can continue delivering innovative signage and graphics to support our ongoing growth plans.”