started DEK Graphics in 1994. Based on the Chandler's Ford industrial estate the business began as a traditional reprographics house, supplying film & platemaking services to litho printers in the area.
During the next 5 years the industry changed beyond recognition, adopting digital equipment over traditional hand planning skills, and it was clear we needed to move with it. Investing heavily in large format printers, and an Agfa imagesetter we were able to diversify the business. Soon we were supplying local businesses with posters & point of sale material. For a while we supplied monthly point-of-sale print to KJC mobile phones, a local company making the most of the boom in mobile phone sales!
During the next 5 years the local printing industry declined heavily. Our reporgraphics customers had been able to borrow money too easily to buy printing presses that could produce more work than they could find sales for. At the same time, the Internet began to act as a significant selling tool and the amount of print produced fell sharply. The result was an unprecedented spate of businesses failing.
In 2009 we were approached by a customer, Chris Richards who was looking to sell his business,
. 12 months later we acquired the business and amalgamated DEK Graphics into a new limited company, DEK Graphics & Print Ltd. We started with just 1 small digital printer producing just 7,500 sheets per month. Today, we have 5 digital presses producing upto 100,000 sheets per month.
In 2014 we acquired the business of Meon Valley Printers. Andrew Archard joined us, and David is currently enjoying a 'sabatical'.
We have continued to invest & diversify. The business now produces a complete range of large format products from architects plans to shop front signs, stickers to vehicle graphics. Short run print & longer run print, a range of clothing & a small range of 'gift' products.
, as we started Digital Print Works. Jason specialises in high-end commercial print. Using state-of-the-art Konica Minolta commercial presses he is able to offer a range of finishing processes outside the scope of The Print Room, adding another dimension to the business.
The business now employs 10 staff. As many as it has ever done.
is a challenging place to invest. Reliability, capital cost, and most importantly running costs over the life of the machine make identifying the right kit difficult. We are pleased to announce that we have installed a Canon VarioPRINT as our main black & white production printer. Better quality, lower costs and faster turnaround will follow!