In common with many other companies making the transition from general sign-maker to all-round graphics provider, Pyramid Digital cut its colour teeth on the Gerber edge thermal transfer printer. Introduced by spandex nearly a decade ago, the Gerber edge produces outdoor-durable graphics directly into vinyl.

However, whilst most companies mark their next step down the colour route with the purchase of an Arizona or, more usually these days, one of the new solvent inkjet printers, pyramid has gone the whole hog and splashed out on a Scitex XLjet! and as if a £250,000 investment in this six-colour inkjet printer was not enough, the company has also invested a further identical sum on the purchase of a Miller Weldmaster, a machine that uses heat pressure to create a highly durable yet inconspicuous seals and seams in the creation of perfect banners. The man behind this bold enterprise is Pyramid's chairman John Fidler whose endearing ' in for a penny, in for a pound' philosophy will, he believes, pave the way for pyramid to become one of the industries foremost trade suppliers. Speaking at the opening day of the company's new 6,500 feet headquarters in Byfleet, Surrey, John explained that this latest expansion comes some ten years after Pyramid was first established in nearby Woking. He told Sign World: 'The acquisition of the Gerber edge originally provided us with the means to expand into digital colour and thus to broaden our area of operation. In fact, this aspect of the business has been so successful that increasingly we have had to outsource some of our printing work - a clear indication that it was the right time to substantially increase our own facilities'

John Fidler's background is in engineering which may partly explain his entrepreneurial zeal! However, managing director Justin Murray who, along with production director Lester Meader, is responsible for the day-to-day running of Pyramid is equally enthusiastic. He added: ' We want to provide others with the sort of service to which we wish we had access.' Justin Murray added that Pyramid's experience of outsourcing revealed that there is a ready-made niche for the company to occupy. Speaking at the opening day of the company's new 6,500 feet headquarters in Byfleet, Surrey, John explained that this latest expansion comes some ten years after Pyramid was first established in nearby Woking. He told Sign World: 'The acquisition of the Gerber edge originally provided us with the means to expand into digital colour and thus to broaden our area of operation. In fact, this aspect of the business has been so successful that increasingly we have had to outsource some of our printing work - a clear indication that it was the right time to substantially increase our own facilities. After carefully considering the various options on offer, the Scitex XLjet3 emerged as the clear favorite. Both John Fidler and Justin Murray agree that it was the vibrancy and quality of the colour reproduction that finally swung it in the XLjet's favor. However, the fact that it is one of the fastest printers in its class, outputting at 75 metres/hr, coupled with the fact that it can switch effortlessly between four and six colour printing onto a wide variety of different substrates, were also important considerations.

And in order to make the most of the machines blistering speed, Pyramid has also invested in a hot-air solvent diffuser system that will help to accelerate drying times and thus pave the way for the XLjet's 24-hour-a-day operation which John Fidler identifies as an Ultimate Goal. Remarking that this extra purchase, along with the installation of the mighty Weldmaster, underlines Pyramid's total commitment to the task in hand, John Fidler says that his long years of experience in the engineering industry have taught him that dedication to quality is of paramount importance. He added: 'In addition to our investment in capital equipment we have also allied ourselves with leading vinyl manufacturer Avery in order to offer the Avery MPI supreme cover for the graphics that we produce, thus ensuring that our customers receive a guarantee from the film manufacturer as well as the assurance that comes with using Scitex inks and equipment.

In addition, we will be using Spandex as our materials supplier of choice and will also be able to call upon its extensive knowledge of the sign industry whenever we need it... I think all of this combines to illustrate our determination to get it absolutely right.'

At present, Pyramid employs a staff of 14, including four field-based sales representatives covering Kent, Essex, Sussex, London, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire and two in-house sales people who will be promoting the introduction of the new facilities up and down the country. However, Justin Murray is keen to welcome further new recruits, particularly those who can demonstrate a real talent for all aspects of colour management. He stated: 'We would be interested to talk to anyone who thinks that they can usefully add to the scope of our skills and service.