Fujifilm Ink is expanding its Broadstairs R&D and manufacturing facility to help OEM partners develop and scale industrial inkjet applications.
At its Broadstairs manufacturing and R&D site in Kent, Fujifilm Ink is strengthening its focus on formulation and development support for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Drawing on more than 25 years in inkjet chemistry, the business is scaling up its OEM UV ink capabilities across sectors including packaging, metal decoration, and decorative surface printing.
The Kent site operates an integrated setup covering chemical formulation, printhead jetting evaluation, curing trials, regulatory compliance, and commercial-scale batch manufacturing. This allows Fujifilm Ink to partner directly with machine builders, printhead developers, and system integrators, helping them test and validate ink formulations alongside specific mechanical systems rather than treating chemistry in isolation.
Managing Director of Fujifilm Ink, David Burton, commented, “Our experience of supporting the transition from screen printing to digital inkjet has given us valuable insight into how ink technology can transform established production processes. We are applying that knowledge to the next phase of industrial inkjet, working with partners to understand their requirements and identify new opportunities.”
Deploying digital inkjet into industrial manufacturing lines introduces complex production challenges. In automated environments, inkjet is often just one element in an extensive sequence, where parts may undergo post-print forming, deep-draw shaping, chemical finishing, and abrasive handling. Fujifilm’s application-led development process tests ink jetting behaviour, curing windows, substrate adhesion, and durability to match the demands of the complete factory floor.
Transitioning laboratory formulations into commercial production also requires rigorous quality control and chemical compliance. As global regulations on raw materials and ink classifications tighten, the Broadstairs team provides ongoing compliance testing, formulation adjustments, and scaled logistics support to ensure continuity of supply for machinery partners.
Global Commercial Director of Fujifilm Ink, Shaun Holdom, concluded, “We have seen first-hand how bringing ink technology, hardware and application expertise together can transform an industry. Our heritage gives us a valuable perspective on that evolution, but our focus is firmly on what comes next. By working closely with OEMs and technology partners, we want to help shape the next generation of industrial inkjet applications and develop the ink technologies needed to make them commercially viable.”