Industry News NEWS IN BRIEF
●On Friday, February 14, YES Ltd celebrated 25 years in business. The company announced Maureen Ford of Northampton as the winner of a brand-new SWF MAN12 embroidery machine. The draw was made by the Deputy Mayor of Mansfield, Stuart Richardson. ● Owners of Roland's TrueVIS SG and VG Series can now receive 50% off a conversion kit when they upgrade their current TrueVIS device to new TR2 ink. After the upgrade, users will be able to benefit from ink savings of up to 20%. ● Drytac has opened a new office in Richmond, Virginia and two new warehouses in Northern New Jersey and Atlanta, Georgia, to improve service for customers. The new office will be staffed by Drytac's knowledgeable customer service and technical team, while the new warehouses will provide additional space for Drytac's extensive product range. This expansion will increase delivery speeds to customers across the USA. ● Myrtle Beach has introduced 12 new caps to its range, which combine functional details with modern cuts and a superb wearing comfort. New products include the 6 Panel Cap Bio Cotton (MB6236) and Captain’s Cap (MB6231). ● The innovative new quick-drying fabrics in Snickers’ LITEWork lightweight workwear makes the range a must for the summer months. The range includes trousers, shirts, shorts, mid-layer jackets and windproofers. ● Christopher Roy has joined Livingstone International as sourcing manager. He has a wealth of experience in sourcing garments globally and having lived in Asia for over 10 years has a large database of contacts available to expand Livingstone’s sourcing capabilities. ● Result has added the R239X Thermoquilt Gilet to its collection. The filling is made from DuPont Sorona insulation, a plant-based material using energy efficient biological production, resulting in reduced greenhouse emissions. ● The Prince Bright Stylus is the latest addition to the Goldstar range. It features a tactile, soft-touch white barrel and chrome accented rings. ● Screenworks has introduced a range of custom-made socks. With a low MOQ on pantone matched yarns, the range includes casual, sports, dress and even trainer socks.
| 16 | April 2020
USB2Uinvests £70k to increase UK capacity
D
uring the last 18 months, Northampton-based USB2U has invested £100,000 in production, and will now invest an additional £70,000 in new printers to increase UK capacity.
USB2U, which specialises in branded tech and smartphone promotional products, is increasing its already significant stock holding, printing and engraving capacity in the UK to minimise disruption caused by supply chain and shipment delays in China.
The company has invested over £100,000 in production equipment and staff training in the last 18 months to grow its UK production, creating additional employment opportunities in the process.
USB2U, which employs 29 staff, currently operates seven state-of-the-art printers and four laser engravers. Its latest printing machines will enable the firm to print over 20,000 USB sticks and other tech products in one day.
Sebastian La Porta, managing director at USB2U, said: “Delays have impacted the import of promotional products for the best part of two months, which is obviously a major concern for ourselves and our loyal customers. “We invested heavily in stock prior to the Chinese New Year holidays – a 400% increase compared to the same time three years ago – and this has enabled us to fulfil orders and maintain delivery times for our customers. “Through past experience, including the Icelandic volcanic ash air transport interruption, Japanese earthquake and Hynix memory chip factory fire, we know we cannot solely rely on the Far East supply chain to meet orders. “We are continuing to adapt our business to
R
oland Academy has moved to a new premises in Leicestershire and has added new courses for training options for individuals or groups.
The new Academy site is centrally located in Ashby de la Zouch at the headquarters of Vivid Laminating Technologies. The new facility comprises a modern training room and expansive showroom space with a range of print and finishing equipment, with plenty of on-site parking and nearby hotels for attendees planning an overnight stay.
Roland Academy has launched two new courses; Introduction to Digital Print and Intermediate Digital Print. These new courses feature recent products, popular applications and the latest best practice information. To create a more inclusive training service, Roland Academy has also launched two new one-to-one training option.
With these new services, customers can choose between onsite sessions conducted
Vivid Laminating Technologies in Ashby de la Zouch
by Roland Academy trainers, or online personalised live video training which can be joined from anywhere with an internet connection.
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
USB2U has invested in new equipment for its UK print room
increase our printing and stock holding capacity in the UK with significant investments in equipment to future-proof our business against major global events. “This is good news for our customers as they will get products finished to the highest quality and in the fastest delivery timeframe, but will also enable us to secure existing and create additional jobs whilst supporting other local businesses, such as ink suppliers.” Items including USB sticks and power banks for mobile phones are made in China; 40% of orders are printed with brand logos to fulfil customer orders prior to being shipped, while 60% are printed in the UK.
USB2U is forecasting an 80% UK and 20% China split over the coming years due to the investment in more staff and new equipment. Mr La Porta added: “We will continue to invest over the next 12 months to ensure we’re in a strong position to withstand any disruptions to production in the Far East. “It will also help us to reach our wider company aims of reducing our environmental footprint, as the majority of our blank stock is sent by sea rather than air.”
Roland Academy takes training further in 2020
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