Wallace Print boosts kit and team

Wallace Print boosts kit and team

Wallace Print has expanded both its production capability and management team as the Rochester-based printer continues to invest in equipment and staff during a challenging period for the wider print industry.

The business recently installed a new Agfa Anapurna roll-to-roll UV LED printer as part of a broader equipment investment programme. At the same time, Wallace Print has strengthened its internal leadership structure with the appointment of a new general manager and welcomed another member of the Wallace family into the marketing team.

These developments reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to improving production capacity and maintaining operational stability during a period shaped by the wider impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Investment in Agfa Anapurna Printing Technology

The most recent equipment investment is a roll-to-roll Agfa Anapurna UV LED printer, representing an investment of approximately £200,000.

The machine adds additional capability to Wallace Print’s large format printing production, particularly for flexible media applications where high-speed output and wider print widths are required.

The printer supports production across materials up to 3,000mm wide, enabling Wallace Print to handle larger graphics and campaign-based work more efficiently.

Gary Wallace said the addition of the printer allows the company to increase throughput across a range of printed graphics.

“The speed and extra dimension takes care of print widths up to 3,000mm,” Wallace explained.

“This is extra to our kit as we invest in cutting edge technology; it allows us to fulfil campaigns and maintain 24 hour printing.”

The new machine complements Wallace Print’s existing equipment portfolio, which already includes systems from SwissQprint, Fujifilm and Summa.

Roll-to-roll printers such as the Anapurna are commonly used for producing flexible graphics, including large format banners and display materials where high-volume production and durable UV inks are important.

Expanding the Management Team

Alongside the equipment investment, Wallace Print has strengthened its management structure with the appointment of Mark Folkard as general manager.

Folkard brings experience from the direct mail sector, having previously worked in senior roles at St Ives Direct and Howard Hunt.

Although his background has largely been in direct mail printing, Folkard said he has quickly adapted to the different nature of large-format production.

“I have learnt very quickly just how exciting and diverse large format is,” he said. “Unlike DM, every job is different, some very complex and most definitely great to see the final product in situ.”

He also thanked managing director Gary Wallace and the wider Wallace Print team for their support during the transition into the role.

The appointment reflects Wallace Print’s continued focus on strengthening its operational management as the business grows its output across multiple sectors including retail graphics, commercial signage and display graphics production.

Continued Family Involvement in the Business

The Wallace family remains closely involved in the day-to-day running of the business, with several members of the family working across different departments.

Gary Wallace’s daughter Mia has recently joined the company’s marketing team. She works alongside her siblings Leonnie and Kamen, who are already part of the Wallace Print workforce.

The wider family connection also continues through Wallace’s nephew Sam Johnston, who works within the business.

Gary Wallace said he was proud to see another member of the family joining the team.

He described Wallace Print as having “a very efficient, loyal team of fantastic employees” and thanked clients for their continued support.

“Thank you again to our clients for the continued support as we surge forward,” Wallace said. “The late founder, my father Mervyn Wallace would be very proud.”

Navigating the Covid-19 Period

The latest investments come during a period when many businesses across the print industry have had to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite these challenges, Wallace Print has continued to operate its production facility and maintain capacity for ongoing client work.

The business runs its printing operation on a 24-hour schedule and had annual sales of around £4 million prior to the pandemic, employing approximately 40 staff across production, sales, finishing and administration roles.

Maintaining operational continuity has been an important factor during this period, particularly for companies producing essential large-format signage and graphics used in commercial environments.

A Family Business Continuing to Grow

Wallace Print was founded by the late Mervyn Wallace and continues to operate as a family-run print business from its Rochester production facility.

The company produces a wide range of printed graphics and display materials using a combination of digital, large-format and finishing equipment.

As the business continues to develop its production capabilities, the recent investment in the Agfa Anapurna printer and the expansion of the management team represent another stage in Wallace Print’s ongoing growth.