For Mansfield based Classic Lines Plus Signs, recent times have seen two celebrations taking place at the company. The first of these signified the twelve month anniversary since Nichola Johnson joined her parents, Pete and Sylvia, in their Nottinghamshire business, whilst the second was the decision to invest in a Roland VersaCAMM VS-640 print-and-cut solution with white and metallic ink.

The combination of the additional capabilities offered by the VersaCAMM VS-640 and the skills Nichola has brought into the company now puts Classic Lines Plus Signs into an unassailable position for adding greater diversity to its services. Working direct with the trade and end customers, the business also has a thriving online store which outlines the full range of products that can be supplied cost effectively and efficiently using the diverse talents of its Roland machines.

A family run sign-making business, Classic Lines Plus Signs was founded back in 1984 specifically to concentrate on the production of customised striping for cars. Pete Colman started by cutting logos and vehicle decorations by hand, but he soon moved across to computerised technology with a Roland CAMM-1 vinyl cutter so that he could keep up with growing demand and, also, handle repeat jobs quickly and easily.

As display technologies developed, so Classic Lines Plus Signs grew, augmenting its product portfolio with the help of carefully planned, long term investment into the machines needed to provide reliable, innovative and accurate output. Complementing the company's steady expansion, and having celebrated its first quarter century as a sign and display production specialist, the Colmans decided it was time to invite daughter Nichola to join the family business.

Having gained experience in marketing and sales for local and national companies, Nichola Johnson has now completed her first year working for the family firm. Her eye for business and creativity has been welcomed, and is particularly relevant as Classic Lines Plus Signs continues to diversify to cater for new commercial and domestic demand for its signs and displays.

"The past twelve months have seen the company move into new and innovate display markets, as well as continuing to service its sign buying customers," comments Nichola. "Now that we've added to our diverse range of manufacturing power with the addition of the Roland VersaCAMM VS-640, there's no limit to the eye-catching options which we can produce in-house."

Classic Lines Plus Signs has continued to be a dedicated user of Roland machines since it first moved into computerised production, and increasingly adds innovative print-and-cut applications to complement the many types of sign and display which can be designed and generated. As well as a vast range of output options, including banners, signs, posters, vehicles and canvas prints, the company also specialises in engraving for industrial and promotional applications.

Thus, all the equipment used for production comes from Roland, including its duo of EGX-350 engraving machines and a Metaza photo-engraver. These capabilities are complemented by vinyl cutting plotters and full-colour wide-format digital printers/cutters.

The ability to diversify away from standard jobs and add extra value with different finishes and effects was one of the key reasons behind the company's decision to invest in the Roland VersaCAMM VS-640 1.62m wide integrated print-and-cut solution. Opting for the version which incorporates six colours plus metallic and white inks made sense to the Colmans as they wanted to increase their levels of innovation and inspiration.

Devotees of integrated printing and cutting, during the years Classic Lines Plus Signs has grown to depend increasingly on the accuracy of its Roland units when producing contour-cut signs and displays of all shapes and sizes, plus decals, labels and stickers. Being able to benefit from adding metallic and white ink to applications has been a huge bonus to the company, allowing it to extend its creative product offerings to new and existing end users.

The addition of Nichola as part of the company has also proved to be a successful ingredient in the Classic Lines Plus Signs family network. "The input of fresh vigour and ideas now flowing into the business, along with the continued strong relationship we enjoy with Roland, makes it clear that further success can be achieved in the future," she continues. "I'm thoroughly enjoying developing my own knowledge and flair for making great signs and displays and I'm looking forward to maximising the power and capabilities of our latest Roland machine."

Pete Colman has been a loyal patron of Roland for many years and maintains that the strong relationship he has with the company is paramount to the future success of his business. "If Roland sold beans I would buy them as well," he quips. But he adds: "Of course you are loyal to a brand if that brand is loyal to you." This is a serious point he wants to emphasise because he states that the service and support he has received from Roland has been second to none.

Rob Goleniowski, Business Manager – Sign & Graphics of Roland DG, comments: "This relationship is indeed a 'classic' example of why companies stay with us and our product lines, growing over the years with the technologies developed by Roland. Companies like Classic Lines Plus Signs are typical in that they started with our solutions, and have stayed with us since their very first investment.

"This is because Roland's customers know that not only will their businesses flourish as new developments come to market but we will continue to look after them and their machines which cover all display sectors," Goleniowski concludes. "We include everything a display producer, sign-maker or commercial printer needs, from the equipment through to installation, training and maintenance."