KGK Genix has installed an HP Stitch S1000 from Papergraphics to support growth in the fabric printing market and reduce operational costs.
KGK Genix has reported significant operational improvements following the installation of a new HP Stitch S1000 printer. The multidisciplinary retail design agency, which operates artwork and production facilities in Harlow and Central London, purchased the device to support its expansion within the fabric printing sector.
The company, known for delivering high-impact graphics and retail installations, identified an opportunity for growth in soft signage and textile applications. To facilitate this, KGK Genix consulted with Papergraphics, an approved HP partner, before selecting the HP Stitch S1000 as the optimal solution for its production requirements.
The HP Stitch S1000 is a dye-sublimation printer capable of handling media up to 3.2m wide. It operates at speeds of up to 220sq m/hr in two-pass mode and utilises high-capacity 10-litre ink cartridges. Key features include a drop-and-dry printzone dryer and a built-in spectrophotometer, which ensures colour consistency across print runs.
Ryan Player, Fabric Manager at KGK Genix, highlights the immediate financial and operational benefits of the investment. He states: “When we compared it to what we were running before, the cost-saving benefits were very clear. Energy consumption is significantly lower, which immediately reduces running costs. Material efficiency also played a major role in the decision-making process. With the Stitch, we only need around two metres of loading waste, so we’re saving roughly eight linear metres of fabric every time we load a roll, and that really adds up over time.”
Beyond cost savings, the agency reports that production speed has increased substantially. Player adds: “We’re effectively running at twice the speed of our previous print mode, but without compromising on quality. Because it runs so consistently, we can print rolls out of hours if we need to. That gives us far more flexibility in how we schedule work.”
The versatility of the machine has allowed the team to test various substrates, including the Tissaro Fabrics collection developed by Papergraphics. These printable textiles are designed to deliver high-quality results across dye-sublimation, latex, and UV workflows.
KGK Genix confirms that the combination of the new hardware and Tissaro materials has already enabled the completion of high-profile work. Player notes: “We’ve got some really exciting projects coming through. This includes work connected to a major Nike relaunch, which really demonstrates the level of trust that we and our clients place in our new fabric print capabilities.”
The agency also praised the ongoing support provided by the supplier. Player concludes: “The support from Papergraphics has been outstanding throughout. From installation to training and beyond, the Papergraphics team have been brilliant, and that’s made this transition a real success for us.”