Since its founding over 25 years ago, John Hatzigiannis’ wide and super-wide VFX Print Group has grown to be one of the largest digital printers on the East Coast of Australia. VFX now has branches in Brisbane, Melbourne and the ACT, as well as its main hub in Leichhardt.
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| VFX owner John Hatzigiannis (R) with Celmac's Jonny Rumney (L) and the new HP L3600 |
Adding to its already impressive stable of wide format print capacity, VFX has just completed installation of an HP Latex 3600, supplied by Celmac, at its Leichhardt, Sydney premises.
When asked why the HP Latex L3600 from Celmac, John Hatzigiannis says: “There’s a few reasons. Upgrading away from the old 5m wide solvent machines in one. Also, we wanted more capacity and wanted to compliment the HP Latex 3200 that I previously bought from Celmac. We have had 2 x 5m wide solvent machines previously, plus a 2.5 solvent machine. We were the first company in Australia to buy a HP LX850 3.2m wide latex printer.”
For this latest investment, VFX did not consider solvent or UV – the company already runs an HP FB700 UV flatbed but the growth needed was in the 3.2 metre space. “We have had a really positive experience with HP Latex with the colour, lack of user maintenance and easy operation. On top of that, the environmental credentials were important to us, “ says Hatzigiannis.
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| Tight fit! HP Tech Vincent helped to install |
The new 3.2 metre Latex, apart from comlementing VFX’s existing stable of HP Latex printers, will be used mostly for banners, mesh and textiles, plus it can be used for dual-roll 1.6 metre wide SAV, papers and backlit films.
Given the site challenges of inner Sydney and the present pandemic restrictions, we asked John how the installation went. “The install has gone like a dream. It is quite a tricky site to get into but I knew I was in good hands. Covid has not affected us too much and it shows the strength of our business - making such a large investment at this time’ he says.
‘Wouldn’t deal with anyone else’
Asked about dealing with Celmac & HP, he is unequivocal: “To be quite honest, we wouldn’t deal with anyone else. Wayne (McIntyre - CEO) and Jonny (Rumney - NSW State Manager) have gone above and beyond over the years. We have bought all our printers off them in the last 12 years. They look after our RIP software, our colour management with the Fogra PSD certification and have a strong range of consumables that we use from them too. But most importantly is we know they have our back. When things go wrong, and in this industry things will go wrong, they have been there for us. That is what we value the most.”
With the new HP Latex L3600 and organic growth, the future looks very bright for the all-digital VFX, whose capacity also includes cut-sheet HP Indigo presses. The operation has a highly developed distribution system and a significant network of installers with CM3 qualifications. This means that VFX is able to supply and install anywhere in the country. Automation is the key focus, and John Hatzigiannis and his team sees this as improving relationships. “We like to deal with customers that understand the value of relationships and the value with give with the marketing we do.”
Relationships naturally extend up to supply partnerships and in Celmac and HP, VFX has a winning formula.
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| VFX Print Group's iconic building on Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt |
