“Huge versatility with the new P5 350 HS,” says 3 Sixty’s Richard Inkin (pictured right) with fellow director Ben Newton.

Leatherhead, Surrey - 3 Sixty has cemented its strong and long-term relationship with Durst Group after another key investment in its market-leading technology, this time the Durst P5 350 HS 3.5 meter LED hybrid printing system.

Durst, manufacturer of award-winning digital printing and production technologies, has enabled 3 Sixty to ramp up capacity and also enable a more efficient working process within its production facility. This will provide tangible benefits for 3 Sixty’s existing customers and also provide new business growth opportunities from its 30,000 sq ft facility in Cardiff.

With a growing focus on sustainability and efficiencies for 3 Sixty, the P5 complements the company’s Durst Rhotex 325 – combining direct-to-textile printing and transfer paper with dye sublimation transfer printing technology – and replaces a Durst P10 250 HS Plus hybrid production printer. 3 Sixty’s broad scope includes the retail, visual merchandising, exhibition, event and commercial interiors sectors.

Richard Inkin, Managing Director of 3 Sixty, said: “The P5 350 HS gives us huge versatility due to the hybrid capabilities as well as the high speed and quality levels it can achieve. It’s handling of some of the more unique materials we use was also a big tick in the box.

“The incredible performance levels mean we can now work more efficiently throughout the business as print is only one element of many, in getting a job out of the door. Having more time now to cut, collate and pack the jobs has given us more flexibility in the way we work. The P5 speed levels mean that we will not need to run anywhere near the high speeds it can achieve and still increase our capacity by more than 30% without the extra costs that we would think we would have incurred. Print is about manufacturing a high quality product from start to finish, not just how quickly you can print it.”

“The flexibility of the machine allows us now to go after more business across all sectors we work in – retail, events and the exhibitions sectors to name a few. We know that our clients will see the benefits of our investments which have only been possible with their support of both our customers and our suppliers. Durst was brilliant, along with Compass Business Finance, in putting the deal in place and therefore helping us to focus and drive forward. 2024 has exciting opportunities for everyone but also if we are all honest, a degree of uncertainty, so investment in the right type of equipment is key. We are sure we have made the right decision.”

Richard added: “Our aim is to make a significant investment every two or three years so we have machines that have the most up-to-date technology and can help us evolve in terms of environmental considerations with regards to inks, material developments and saving power. Having looked at the offerings available through partners we already have and other manufacturers, we decided to go with Durst because of the technology in the machine and we were confident in continuing a strong and long-term relationship.”

Peter Bray, Managing Director of Durst UK & Ireland, said: “3 Sixty’s holistic approach is another prime example of how forward-thinking companies are looking to invest to keep ahead of the curve and further improve efficiencies in an important drupa year. It also mirrors how the Durst Group, driven by the mantra of innovation, offers complete solutions from pixel to output. In a collaborative approach, we support our customers on their own business journey and help them with a vision: to create something new, to inspire and to always ask the next question. Our world-class technology is providing the answers – and we’re extremely proud that 3 Sixty’s new investment in our systems are providing the catalyst for ongoing improvements and efficiencies.”