The Rotherham-based online print group is increasing large-format banner finishing automation with a second investment in PLASTGrommet finishing technology
Bluetree Group is set to expand its large-format print finishing capabilities with its second investment in banner and textile finishing automation from leading manufacturer and supplier of banner and textile finishing solutions, PLASTGrommet.
Having already invested in an Evolve Air Welder from PLASTGrommet’s UK distributor, Atech, in 2024, Bluetree Group is now set to elevate its existing large-format finishing setup further with the Hybrid TexWiz, an integrated banner finishing solution with the dual finishing option of both welding and sewing.
PLASTGrommet’s flagship All In One platform combines hem welding, eyeletting and cutting into a single process. Expanding on these capabilities, the newly launched TexWiz automated solution enables automated sewing of hems along with eyeletting and cutting of air mesh fabric banners. This means that, as well as finishing traditional banner materials, print service providers can now also automate the production of textile-based products by integrating hem sewing with tape into their automated banner finishing workflow. Additionally, simple switches such as using polyester reinforcement tape for hemming fabric and PLASTGrommet’s proprietary clear recyclable eyelets, polyester banners can be fully recycled after use without any need to separate the eyelets and tape, making for easier banner recycling.
Bluetree Group, which operates through brands instantprint and Route 1 Print, sells a range of large-format products including posters, roller banners, signage, flags, and outdoor banners. Building on recent investments in large-format print technology, the company’s investment in its finishing department will ensure that finishing bottlenecks never slow down production. With the Hybrid TexWiz, Bluetree Group will be able to automate welding, eyeleting, cutting, and sewing all in-line, streamlining the finishing process and freeing up team members to focus on other tasks.
Bluetree Group’s relationship with PLASTGrommet first began at FESPA 2024, at a time when the company’s large-format offering was growing and a key objective was to bring banner production in-house. This led to the company’s first purchase of an Evolve Air Welder in July, 2024 through PLASTGrommet’s UK partner Atech, with installation and local support provided by Allan Ashman, Atech’s managing director and owner. The efficiencies this enabled were significant with Bluetree achieving its goals of bringing banner production in-house and expanding the range of large-format products it offers.
Discussing the Hybrid TexWiz investment, Mark Young, Co-founder of Bluetree Group, says: “We’re really excited about this because it will give us a huge step forward in productivity, allowing us to do more banners, faster than ever. The ability to run straight from a printed roll to an almost finished banner at the speed that it can run is a massive step forward for us. Automation is critical as the large-format products are difficult to finish and require a lot of manual handling, so the process can be labour intensive. Wherever we can find efficiencies or gains, we need to, to keep our edge.”
Young is full of praise for PLASTGrommet’s equipment, as well as the level of support the manufacturer offers and the local support provided by Atech: “There are a lot of options in the market, but the PLASTGrommet kit is well built, well supported, and extremely productive. PLASTGrommet are really easy to talk to and even though they’re in Spain, we have coordinated testing of material and samples over the last few weeks. We’re really excited to continue our partnership into the future and the whole team has been fantastic.”
The new machine is expected to be delivered and installed in the third quarter of 2025, enabling Bluetree Group to grow its large-format range and deliver products to customers faster.
Rafa Menéndez, Head of Marketing and Sales at PLASTGrommet, adds: “For large-format print businesses, finishing can often be an overlooked bottleneck. But you’re only as fast as your slowest point, which is why strategic investment in finishing automation is now no longer a ‘nice to have’. It is a necessity to remain competitive. Bluetree Group’s continued investment is a perfect example of the results that can be achieved when prioritising finishing automation, such as being able to bring the production of its large-format banners in-house and expand its large-format print offering.”