Digital print specialist lands multi-million pound Virgin deal

A Wolverhampton-based digital print, signage and production specialist has won a multi-million contract with Virgin Active to supply graphics and signage for all of the company’s 46 gyms and health clubs across the UK.

The deal for DIS, which employs 18 people at its studio and print production facility at Hilton Trading Estate, is the largest contract the company has been awarded to date and will play an important role in helping it move from its existing £2.5m turnover to £5m annual sales by 2021.

“This is a milestone moment for DIS and reinforces our reputation for providing print and branding solutions for some of the biggest brands across the world,” said Mark Bradley, who founded the business in 1997.

“We were invited to take part in a comprehensive tender against competitors five times our size, but Virgin Active was impressed with our track record, our creativity, quality and ability to handle everything from initial design and fulfilment, through to installation by our own in-house team.

“The contract will encompass 46 gyms and health clubs, from its landmark location in Mayfair to sites in the Midlands, the North and Scotland.

“We are currently recruiting four more people to help us manage the volume of work created by this contract win.”

DIS offer vehicle graphics, interior graphic solutions, signage and event branding for customers involved in the automotive, corporate, fashion, leisure and retail sectors.

The Black-Country company’s work is seen by millions of people every year at British Fashion Council events, global brand showcases, at Adidas product launches and at St George’s Park, the home of English football.

David Purcell, sales director at DIS, said: “It often surprises people that a small business in Wolverhampton is responsible for some of the striking displays you see at major fashion shows, retail spaces and sporting events.

“For example, we dressed a two-storey Johnnie Walker corporate building at the 13th hole at Gleneagles during the Ryder Cup. The client wanted something special that stood out and brought what was quite a conventional venue to life, something we achieved using innovative graphics and new LED applications.

“Increasingly, we are working with clients at the concept stage, providing ideas and creativity around materials, new printing techniques, lighting and digital display solutions – using our wide range of skills to bring the concept to life.”