The two Northern Ireland-based businesses, both owned by Aaron Klewchuk (pictured), have made multiple Fujifilm digital printing investments, with a wide-format Acuity Prime and toner-based Revoria Press PC1120 installed at Ballyprint in Ballymena and a Revoria Press EC1100 installed at Impro Printing in Belfast.
Ballyprint, which began as a small copy shop in Ballymena, Northern Ireland in 2009, has grown into a dynamic commercial printing company, serving sectors including the financial, pharmaceutical, creative and marketing industries. With a team of ten dedicated professionals, Ballyprint is committed to delivering high-end print solutions ranging from small format to large format projects.
Ballyprint became the first company anywhere in Ireland to invest in the Fujifilm Acuity Prime when it was installed in April 2024. The Fujifilm flatbed was selected after a thorough evaluation of the alternatives, with Fujifilm’s reputation for innovative technology a decisive factor in the decision, combined with the Acuity Prime’s speed, energy efficiency, and reduced ink consumption.
Trusted Fujifilm sales partner in Northern Ireland, Alphagraphic Inks, played a crucial role in facilitating the deal and ensuring a seamless installation process. Its partnership with Fujifilm has been instrumental in bringing the cutting-edge Acuity Prime to Ballyprint, marking a new era of enhanced printing capabilities and customer satisfaction.
Business owner Klewchuk, comments, “Fujifilm’s Acuity Prime stood out due to its superior design and the company’s ongoing R&D efforts. The ability to print on a wide range of materials, including PVC-free options, paper boards and more has already broadened our service offerings and improved our production processes.”
The installation of the Acuity Prime has already provided significant benefits to the company. Klewchuk adds: “Jobs that previously took days to complete can now be turned around in a matter of hours, thanks to the Acuity Prime’s efficiency. This improvement has been particularly crucial in meeting the tight deadlines often demanded by clients, especially for large format printing projects.
“Our previous machine was nearly fifteen years old, and the upgrade to the Acuity Prime has been transformative,” Klewchuk continues. “The speed of the new machine is at least 45% faster, and the energy and ink consumption have both significantly decreased. This has not only improved our turnaround times but also reduced our operational costs.”
In August 2024, Ballyprint continued to expand its capabilities with the installation of the Revoria Press PC1120, a toner press known for its superior print quality and versatility. “With our previous machine, we saw an opportunity to serve the creative market with metallic finishes and speciality colours,” says Klewchuk. “With the Revoria Press PC1120, we’re taking it a step further. Its ability to print vivid colours like fluorescent pink, along with improved handling of synthetic materials, allows us to offer even more to our clients, especially those in the creative industries.”
And the Fujifilm investments did not end there. Belfast-based Impro Printing, a B2 commercial print company acquired by Klewchuk in 2022 to prevent it from going into liquidation, has also benefited from the partnership with Fujifilm. As part of a broader effort to revive and expand Impro Printing’s business, the installation of the Revoria Press EC1100 in September 2024 is expected to support the company’s growing demand for digital print services and enhance service offerings across both businesses.
Klewchuk explains: “Impro Printing has been a crucial part of our growth strategy. Since acquiring the company, we’ve witnessed great success, and we’re on track to continue that momentum. The addition of the Revoria EC1100 allows us to keep up with the increased volume of digital work while complementing our sheet-fed litho services. It’s a versatile machine that can handle a wide range of jobs, ensuring we can meet the growing demands of our clients.”
Both Ballyprint and Impro Printing’s investments are a testament to their strong partnership with Fujifilm. Aaron adds: “We chose Fujifilm not just for their machines but for the people behind the brand. The support and service we’ve received from the Fujifilm team have been second to none. Their roadmap for growth in the UK aligns perfectly with our vision for the future.”
Looking ahead, Ballyprint and Impro Printing are poised for further growth and expansion, leveraging these new technologies to stay ahead of industry trends. “With Fujifilm as a partner, we’re confident that we can continue to push boundaries and deliver exceptional value to our clients,” Klewchuk concludes.
Andy Kent, General Manager, Fujifilm Graphic Communications, UK & Ireland adds: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Ballyprint and Impro Printing. Their decision to invest in the Acuity Prime, Revoria Press PC1120 and EC1100 underscores their commitment to quality and innovation. As the first company in Ireland to adopt these technologies, they’re setting a new standard for excellence in the commercial print sector, and we look forward to supporting them on their journey.”
