Structure-flex invest in state-of-the-art technology
Thermoplastic manufacturing specialists, Structure-flex, have announced a significant investment in new equipment to once again boost capabilities and capacity as they look forward to another busy year.
The Norfolk-based leaders in lorry tension curtains, vehicle graphics and thermoplastic products have purchased a grand format EFI VUTEk Q3R roll-to-roll printer.
“The pace of technological innovation is impressive and this investment helps us print and produce finished graphics to the highest quality” says Paul Reeve, Managing Director of Structure-flex.
The EFI VUTEk® Q3r not only prints onto a range of materials up to 3.2 m wide.
The material to be printed on is placed in the EFI VUTEk on a roll and it can print up to 558 m2 per hour at 1200 dpi.
The printer will be used across the business to print on a number of products, including building wraps and event signage, as well as lorry tension curtains and vehicle graphics.
The new printer comes hot on the heels of the firm’s major investment in 2023 in two Forsstrom TDW 24 kilowatt travelling high frequency welding machines.
“We continue to experience growing demand for what we deliver and our investment in equipment, people and skills is vital to maintaining our position as a leader, especially in lorry tension curtains” adds Paul.
Structure-flex is the UK’s largest producer of lorry tension curtains, as well as a major manufacturer of other PVC-coated fabric products, including bio-gas holders, water-filled 110 tonne crane test bags and pillow tanks which can hold up to 250,000 litres of liquid.
Structure-flex also manufacturer the Mobildeich Flood Defence Barrier which has seen a significant rise in demand across Europe, as fire services and environmental agencies use it to protect people and properties from flooding caused by extreme weather.
“2023 was a strong year for our business and 2024 looks set to be similar. We have a number of improvements and investments planned as we continually look for ways to boost efficiency, increase capacity and reduce lead-times” adds Paul.
Structure-flex was established in 1970, just one year after the flexible lorry tension curtain was first introduced, and they have become synonymous with producing them for hauliers and fleet operators.
From their 50,000 sq ft operation in North Norfolk, they also offer a variety of digital printing services, including vehicle graphics, advertising signage and wall wraps, which will all benefit from the new EFI VUTEk printer.
For more information on Structure-flex, visit https://www.structure-flex.co.uk/
