We look at the history of swissQprint UK since establishing its core branch in 2019, and what it hopes to achieve in the future
Attendees of The Print Show 2024 will likely remember swissQprint’s presence at the exhibition, which marked the first-ever appearance of its Kudu flatbed printer at a UK trade show. The manufacturer used the new wide-format flatbed to demonstrate a versatile range of samples, including vibrant UV-activated ‘neon’ prints and striking varnish effects.
SwissQprint is returning to The Print Show for 2025, hailing the show in a recent video interview for SignLink as “the best place centrally located to show off our products to the widest range of potential prospects.”
Given the manufacturer’s evident presence in the UK wide-format space, you would be forgiven for assuming that the company has had a branch in the region for a long period. But swissQprint UK was officially launched in 2019, building its customer base and presence in quick succession.
Under a decade later, and the UK arm of the Swiss manufacturer has big plans for expansion moving forward. In this article, we talk to managing director, Erskine Stewart, about the history of the company and what lies ahead.
SwissQprint was founded in 2007 in Switzerland by Reto Eicher, Hansjörg Untersander, and Roland Fetting, a group of industry experts who formed the company with a focus on precision engineering and producing new market innovations. Its first press, the 2.5m wide Oryx UV flatbed, was launched in 2008, running at a maximum speed of 70sq m/h. A series of new releases then followed, like in 2012 when the first 3.2m Nyala was released, which offered double the maximum speed of the Oryx at up to 140sq m/h.
One of the core principles the company was founded on was building robust machines to last, forgoing any concept of planned obsolescence. The very first Oryx flatbed printer that swissQprint delivered in 2008 is still reportedly in operation, and according to the manufacturer, more than 90% of their machines over ten years old are still being used today. Any swissQprint part that is subject to wear is designed for at least ten years of two-shift operation.
The UK subsidiary was established in 2019, the same year as the release of the Karibu, swissQprint’s first dedicated roll-to-roll printer and part of its third generation of flatbeds. As Stewart puts it, the UK branch was formed “to provide a dedicated presence for our fast-growing customer base across the UK and Ireland.
“Having a local team means we can offer unrivalled service, support, and demonstration facilities without customers having to travel overseas.”
The UK headquarters in Bracknell spans 630sq m, housing offices, a demonstration centre, a training space, as well as a fully stocked warehouse able to dispatch parts and consumables the same day to keep customers operational. While the UK facility hosts in-depth demonstrations and application testing for customers, all R&D and manufacturing is still carried out at the global HQ in Kriessern, Switzerland.
Explaining what swissQprint UK offers to the market, Stewart explains: “We support customers through technical and applications training, on-site demonstrations, and a fully stocked parts and consumables hub. Our consultative approach ensures we help each business choose the right technology to fit their market, enabling them to grow their service offering and profitability.”
Starting with just six employees in 2020, swissQprint UK has expanded to a current figure of 13, which is due to become 15 by the end of the year. Its centre is complete with the latest Generation 5 flatbed printers from swissQprint including the recently released Nyala 5, allowing customers to test the company’s latest technology in action.
Its customer base has also expanded significantly, now exceeding 125 businesses across the UK and Ireland, with Stewart asserting that the growth “is a direct result of our strong reputation for product reliability and responsive local support.”
“Our ethos is built around reliability, precision, and partnership,” says Stewart. “We design printers that are dependable and versatile, and we apply the same approach to customer service. Our goal is to help our customers thrive by giving them the best possible tools and support, so they can deliver premium products and grow their business.”
Customers range from large commercial printers like Linney and VGL to creative agencies like Hollywood Monster, Oasis Graphic, MediaCo, and Printvision. These customers use swissQprint technology to produce everything from retail displays and event graphics to architectural signage and even specialist applications like medical devices.
According to Stewart, the most gratifying part of the work that swissQprint UK carries out is seeing the creativity and innovation that it enables for its customers. As he puts it: “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch our customers use swissQprint machines to produce unique, high-value products, often pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The industry is constantly evolving, and being part of that energy and innovation is inspiring.”
Stewart posits that swissQprint presses are designed to help customers “work smarter, not harder.” The R&D for each generation focuses on adding further precision, efficiency, productivity, and flexibility, based in large part on customer feedback.
Stewart highlights the strong focus on research from the company’s Swiss headquarters, saying: “With 35% of our global team dedicated to R&D, innovation is in our DNA. We are continually evolving our machines to meet new market demands, such as faster turnaround times, more sustainable print methods, and the ability to print on a wider variety of materials.”
Since establishing its UK branch in 2019, swissQprint has been able to offer comprehensive service and support to the region for its entire print range
Sustainability is a core focus for swissQprint, with its printers reportedly consuming an industry-leading average of just 2.2 kWh – the same amount as an ordinary kettle. The manufacturing process in Switzerland also adheres to strict environmental standards, including using 80% Swiss suppliers to provide short travel distances and minimal CO2 emissions.
For the near future, the focus turns to The Print Show 2025, where swissQprint will demonstrate its widest range of possible applications for the Generation 5 flatbeds including colour-shifting ‘pyramid’ print effects, relief printing, and new specialist packaging possibilities.
However, Stewart’s wider focus for the future of swissQprint UK is on strengthening existing relationships, forging new partnerships, and providing the best support possible. “We’re proud of the trusted relationships we’ve built with customers in the UK and Ireland,” he states. “Our ongoing mission is to remain a reliable partner that businesses can count on for the very best technology, advice, and support to help them grow.”
Statistics
2019 – SwissQprint UK was founded in 2019
125 – The UK customer base is over 125 businesses
15 – SwissQprint UK will have 15 employees by end of 2025
630sq m – Its facility located in Bracknell measures at 630sq m
