A Cumbrian printing firm has celebrated the first 12 months of its management buy-out by investing £200,000 in its future.
Penrith and Carlisle-based print and signage firm Reeds has invested £200,000 in new production technology, bringing more specialist print and display work in-hous.
It has installed an HP Latex R2000 hybrid printer, alongside a Trotec laser cutter and a DS-85i mail inserter.
The new printer enables Reeds to produce graphics up to 2.5 metres wide (around 8ft) across rigid boards and roll materials.
Continuous roll production allows for large-scale banners and display graphics of virtually any length, meaning more specialist and larger-format work can now be completed in-house within Cumbria.
Jonathan Nagle, director at Reeds, said: “A year on from the buyout, this investment represents the next step in strengthening Reeds for the long term.
“We’re expanding our in-house capability across print, signage and fulfilment so we can keep more work within Cumbria and give customers greater flexibility.
It’s about building a business that combines craftsmanship with modern technology — strengthening what we deliver across our services so we can continue to grow and support our customers long term.”
The Trotec laser cutter was supported with £10,000 of funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund, Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.
The DS-85i folder inserter strengthens Reeds’ mail fulfilment capability, enabling the business to manage campaigns from print through to enclosing and distribution.
Andy Oliver, part of the senior management team at Reeds, said: “For us, this investment is about raising the standard of what we can produce in-house.
“The new equipment gives us more control over materials, finishes and detail — whether that’s shopfront signage, internal displays or bespoke branded pieces.
It means we can deliver complex projects more efficiently while maintaining the quality and consistency our customers expect.”
With roots dating back to 1878, Reeds now trades independently following its management buyout from H&H Group plc in Nov 2024.
The business continues to support the local community as a sponsor of Carlisle United, legacy partner of Carlisle Youth Zone, and charity partner of Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakes.
