Member Article

DIS targets £500,000 boost after hitting the high notes with ‘UK first’

A leading Midlands print and digital imaging specialist has secured a UK first by signing a deal to become an official supplier and installer of Pongs technology.

DIS, which employs 19 people at its studio in the Black Country, has built on a record-breaking 2018 by agreeing a partnership with the German firm to print colour, imagery and special designs on to its acoustic fabric wall and ceiling graphic systems.

The company has sent out a number of installers to its headquarters in Gladbach and is now targeting an additional £500,000 of business from architects, interior designers and entertainment venues looking to deaden the sound and echoes in large open spaces.

Designed to offer ‘A’ or ‘B’ acoustic absorption ratings, the unique technology found in the DESCOR range can also be used at hospitals or leisure facilities thanks to a special anti-bacterial coating.

“Trying to make large open spaces and rooms aesthetically pleasing, whilst achieving the right acoustic performance, has been a massive challenge for our customers…this new agreement offers them a perfect solution,” explained Mark Bradley, Managing Director of DIS.

“We are the first approved UK supplier and installer of Pongs acoustic fabrics and this will give us a massive advantage over our rivals. The technology lends itself so that any colour, image and design can be printed on to it, offering stunning sound and visual performance – the best of both worlds.”

He continued: “Talks have already begun with marketing agencies, interior designers, architects and local authorities about using the walls and ceiling systems. There are no limitations with size either, as we can print - using 3M inks – huge unlimited tiled sections.

“We can even integrate LED lighting into the systems to create ever-changing moods and stunning visual displays.”

DIS has already secured its first win using the Pongs technology, with a new 35 metre-long wall system being installed at Virgin Active’s prestigious Mayfair site in the coming weeks.

It forms part of the £multi-million contract that has seen the company become the official supplier of graphics and signage for all of its 46 gyms and health clubs.

This will involve teams of experts travelling the length and breadth of the country to deliver a major facelift that will include printing and installing all external and internal imagery, lighting and digital displays.

It is the largest contract the company has been awarded to date and will play an important role in helping it move from its existing £2.5 million turnover to £5m annual sales by 2021.

David Purcell, Sales Director, added: “We’ve enjoyed a great start to 2019 with some big wins and a full order book keeping us busy.

“A new technician has already been taken on to cope with demand and we expect further appointments once we turn interest in Pongs into concrete orders. It could be worth as much as £500,000 in the first year, with the potential for even more going forward.”

DIS offer vehicle graphics, interior graphic solutions, portable display systems and event branding for customers involved in business, automotive, leisure and retail sectors.

Its team of experts have access to a full in-house 3D studio and large format printing, which also helps it provide giant media and signage, including Europe’s largest ever poster for Manchester City and advertising for Christian Dior.

The Black-Country company’s work is also seen by millions of people every year at Adidas product launches, at St George’s Park (the home of English football) and during its innovative work for Design and Art Direction (D&AD), the educational charity that promotes excellence in design and advertising.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .