Visual Solutions Australia managing director Marshall Beaumont told ProPrint that the new machine would allow the 10-staff outfit to branch out from the crowded digital printing field.

"I'm just trying to keep up with the times and find that little niche. Us smaller guys, if we don't evolve with the times, we're going to be left behind."

The Grande, which arrived on 6 August, will be used for flags, banners, textiles, fence wraps, in-store retail displays and exhibition trade shows, according to Beaumont.

He said Visual Solutions had been losing work as exhibition companies moved from vinyl to fabric – but that it would now be able to compete for its share of those higher-margin jobs.

Visual Solutions paid about €230,000 ($268,000) for the press at Drupa, according to Beaumont. Vutek and Durst models were also considered, but he preferred the Grande due to its size, quality and green credentials, he added.

"When we're selling it to people we can say it's a very eco-friendly process because it prints directly on to the fabric."

Beaumont said the Grande would also do trade work for other printers.

Click here to see photos of the Grande's arrival.

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