VistaPrint Increases Apparel Production Capacity with Kornit Apollo Digital Printing System
The system has added approximately 25,000 units of weekly production capacity, enabling production at around three times the speed of VistaPrint’s previous process.
VistaPrint has increased its high-volume apparel production capacity and improved operational efficiency using Kornit Digital’s Apollo digital printing system. The technology has enabled the print and design company to add approximately 25,000 units of weekly production capacity while supporting turnaround times of approximately one day.
VistaPrint Expands Its Apparel Manufacturing Capabilities
Kornit Digital (NASDAQ: KRNT), a global provider of on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, has highlighted how VistaPrint is using Kornit Apollo to accelerate apparel production and improve manufacturing efficiency.
VistaPrint serves customers across Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia. The company has expanded from a print platform into a one-stop shop supporting small businesses with branding and marketing requirements. Its product portfolio includes business cards, marketing materials, apparel, promotional products, packaging and signage, alongside design tools and expert assistance.
“Our customers have always been front and center in everything we do,” said Nick Dalby, Director of Category Experience for PPAG at VistaPrint. “We've evolved from purely a print platform into a one-stop shop for small businesses, supporting them from design through to print. Within Cimpress, we're continually growing our manufacturing and supply chain network to deliver the best possible combination of cost, speed, quality and product choice.”
Longstanding Partnership Between VistaPrint and Kornit
VistaPrint and Kornit have worked together since 2007. During this period, VistaPrint has updated its digital production fleet through successive generations of Kornit technology, including Atlas and Atlas MAX.
Seeking to improve efficiency and shorten customer delivery times, VistaPrint identified Apollo as the next step in its production development. Building on improvements achieved with Atlas MAX in cycle time, print quality and wash fastness, Apollo offered higher throughput, lower costs per unit and ergonomic improvements.
“We're constantly looking for efficiency improvements that reduce cost while improving delivery times for our customers,” said Alicia, Engineering Lead, Manufacturing Technology, VistaPrint. “Apollo offered the output, print quality and wash-fastness we were looking for, together with reduced cost per print and ergonomic improvements. We knew it was the right next step.”
Training and Implementation Support
Kornit supported the implementation with online training before installation and an on-site technician during the first six months of production.
VistaPrint reached full utilisation across three shifts approximately three months after production began.
Apollo Adds 25,000 Units of Weekly Capacity
The Apollo system has enabled VistaPrint to add approximately 25,000 units of production capacity per week while supporting production turnaround times of approximately one day. According to the company, the system operates at around three times the speed of its previous production process, allowing orders to move through manufacturing more quickly.
Automation has also simplified garment handling, creating a more consistent workflow for operators and helping VistaPrint optimise equipment and labour across its production floor.
“Apollo has allowed us to produce around 25,000 additional units every week and get products to our customers faster,” said Jimm Purdy, Senior Operations Manager, VistaPrint. “It has significantly improved throughput and allows us to produce orders almost in real time as they come through.”
VistaPrint Considers Further Apollo Expansion
VistaPrint is looking to expand its Apollo fleet as its apparel business grows. The company aims to build additional production capacity while maintaining the speed, consistency and quality expected by its customers.