While there are a number of companies doing vehicle wraps and branding, there are not many which can claim
to have done it on the scale and taken it to the heights achieved by Xtreme inkworX. When it comes to
vehicles it seems the bigger the better for this Strijdom Park-based company.
Xtreme inkworX
visual branding specialists
X
treme inkworX was formed in January 2008 as a small, two-man
operation working in cramped conditions out of a 2sqm office offering
a print broking service. While the brokerage was successful, some of
the demands from customers made the partners realise that there was
a need for a direct service to meet some of the more urgent print requirements.
This resulted in the decision to invest in a large-format HP8000 printer for the
production of roll-ups and vinyl prints. Production was then extended to
include printing onto material for the production of gazebos and flags.
The growth in demand for printed materials resulted in the need to move to a
dedicated factory. This brought with it increased demand and it was at this time
that the company was asked by a client to do some vehicle branding. Even though
this did not form part of the product portfolio, the challenge was accepted.
Partner Jeffrey Hausberger commented, ‘Our motivation was to be able to print
anything and do everything. You can imagine our amazement and amusement
when the vehicle turned out to be a double-decker bus.’
A rapid and on-the-job learning curve ensued and turned out to be a very
successful endeavour with a client who was very happy and completely
satisfied. Jeffrey added, ‘This only motivated us to take on more and to do
more vehicle branding. We have not looked back and have even done
more unusual vehicles since then, things such as helicopters.’
In July 2012 the 150sqm factory had served its purpose and a larger facility was
needed. The move into a 250sqm factory brought with it even more growth and
resulted in the installation of another new machine, this time an HP 26500 latex
printer, which opened up even more capabilities and opportunities. The attraction
of this particular machine was its eco-friendly inks featuring low-odour solvents
and very high quality prints. Growth also came in the fact that the staff number
had grown to five involved in a range of functions from vehicle wrapping,
exhibition stands branding, signage, brand activation and canvas stretching.
A year later, the proverbial brakes were applied, due in part to the worldwide
economic slowdown and also due to the general reduction of volumes being
experienced in the broader printing industry. A strategic move was undertaken
to secure the future. This involved entering into a strategic partnership with
the Media Company Maxposure allowing both companies to benefit from the
alliance. This also allowed Xtreme inkworX to be the preferred print supplier
and at the same time offer more media related products such as Photoboxi,
Instamax and Graffitimax.
Jeffrey commented, ‘Despite our best efforts and the partnerships which
had been formed, we did not really see a significant improvement. Something
fundamental had changed within the industry, the market had become
price-driven and customer loyalty took a back seat. The only solution was to
dissolve the three-way partnership with the result that the company is now
owned and run by Jeffrey and Henry Motta Marques. Other than that, the
company remains the same with a high degree of passion for providing
customers with top-quality print and outstanding service.
Now, with a total of six employees and a high degree of expertise in vehicle
branding and wrapping, Xtreme inkworX is ideally set to tackle the challenges
and take on new and even bigger projects. While its print facility is based in
Johannesburg, it is also able to offer installation or wrapping solutions in Durban
and Cape Town. Who knows, a boat, yacht or ship could be one of the next
projects it undertakes with a full wrap. There are no limits either on air or land or
sea. The only aim is to be the No. 1 choice for printing, branding and signage.
For all your branding, vehicle wrapping and large-format printing requirements, or
to find out what other services Xtreme inkworX can offer you, call Jeffrey on
0861 123 949
or e-mail
Nex Media •
Vol 2 Issue 3
41
