Core Exhibitions brings super wide Mimaki textile printing in-house with help from CMYUK

Core Exhibitions has boosted its production power with the arrival of a Mimaki UJV55-320 UV-LED roll to roll printer from CMYUK. This marks the Oxfordshire based company’s first move into super wide textile printing. It also completes its ambition to offer a fully self-sufficient production service for exhibitions and event environments.

The UJV55-320 joins an existing Mimaki flatbed, a CNC digital cutter, and other roll to roll printers, forming the heart of a busy, creative production hub.

Left to right: Core exhibitions production team: Joe Belbin, Colin Hall, and Corin Middleton.

‘The Mimaki just ticked every box. It does exactly what we need, beautifully and reliably, and it was at the right price point. It is easy to use, the quality’s great, and it is built for busy production,’ said Steve ‘Clem’ Clements, director.

Founded in 2019, Core Exhibitions specialises in portable and modular display systems that deliver flexibility and a lighter environmental footprint. The team provides a complete end to end service from design through to manufacture, installation, breakdown, and logistics.

Like everyone in the live events industry, Core faced its share of upheaval during the pandemic. Rather than give up, the company regrouped, secured fresh investment, and came out the other side.

‘Coming out of Covid, we were a completely different animal,’ said Clem. ‘Our investor helped us stabilise and invest in the right technology. Since then, we have built a brilliant team, upgraded our kit, and we are in the strongest position we have ever been.’

This latest investment continues the upward trajectory. The Mimaki UJV55-320 is opening new opportunities for the business in super wide textile display graphics, including lightboxes, tension frames, and single piece wallcoverings. The company has also recently invested in an automated sewing machine, to support this burgeoning textile growth.

Core Exhibitions is the central business within a wider group that includes Core Signs & Graphics, Core Event Structures, and Innov8 Displays. While Core Exhibitions delivers full service stand design and build, its sister brands cover signage, vehicle wraps, bar and event hire, and self-build modular systems sold online through Innovate Displays. It is also the official UK representative for Space Display, a well established international brand supplying roll up banners, pop ups, and modular display hardware.

‘All the brands overlap,’ Clem explained. ‘They share the same team, the same building, and the same production resources but they each speak to different audiences. Our signage clients might never go to a trade show, and our exhibition clients don’t need vehicle wraps. The Mimaki allows us to serve all those markets more efficiently, under one roof.’

Core saw the Mimaki UJV55-320 at one of CMYUK’s regular open days. With its 3.2 metre width, dual roll capability, 1200 dpi resolution and inline LED lightbox for on the fly backlit print inspection, this printer provides speed, precision, and flexibility for banners, window and floor graphics, billboards, single piece wallcoverings, soft signage, backlit displays and more.

It is the company’s first super wide in-house textile printer and represents a natural next step for the business. Until now, all textile work had been outsourced, limiting flexibility and control, however, bringing this capability in-house has transformed operations.   

‘It has been a total game changer,’ Clem said. ‘We can now print all our textile graphics ourselves – lightboxes, tension frames, soft signage – and it has made a huge difference to profit margins, lead times, and creative freedom. We can experiment, test, and respond instantly.’

It has also opened up trade textile printing opportunities, particularly through Innov8 Displays and Space Display UK.

The printer runs a selection of UFabrik textiles supplied by CMYUK, including UV Blackback and Backlit Eco, which are both PVC free, fire retardant materials that deliver vibrant colour and a premium finish.  

‘The Mimaki and UFabrik combination gives us a complete solution,’ Clem added. ‘It means we can print every part of a stand or event space ourselves, from rigid panels to soft fabrics, and know the quality’s consistent throughout.’

Partnering with CMYUK, in particular its commercial director, Sue Hayward and sales director, Chris Martin, has been key to making this next step investment a success. ‘CMYUK really understands where you are coming from,’ said Clem. ‘It is not just about selling you a printer, it is about helping you build a stronger business. The communication, advice, and patience have been spot on. You feel they are genuinely invested in your success.’

With its new mezzanine production area, upgraded offices, and growing team of 11, Core Exhibitions has become a fully equipped, self-contained production hub. ‘This investment has completed the circle for us,’ Clem concluded. ‘For the first time, we can produce absolutely everything in-house. It is the independence we have always dreamed of, and it is taking us, and our clients, to the next level.’