Dave Ridgway invests in high quality, efficient, automated production at House of Print & Threads. Every machine in his shop has a purpose, and every upgrade he’s made has been with one thing in mind: do more, faster, with less hands-on work.
We’ve had the opportunity to help him build out a smart, automated setup that keeps production moving and business growing.
iJetColor 1175 Pro: Faster, Easier, Smarter
Initially purchasing the iJet 1175C, Dave loved the ease of use and how fast it printed. At 10,285/hour this machine could get the job done in no time! He soon upgraded from the C to the Pro model, for the vacuum belt and registration table for ease of set-up.
“It’s significantly faster than the Xante Enpress. Easy to use. I really like the interface. Compared to other competitors, I found this one better—both the machine and the software.”
We asked Dave, with having experienced both models of the iJet 1175, why did you decide to upgrade?
“Less downtime. I can go from a 9×12 to a #10 in less than five minutes.”
Lastly, why did you decide to buy from AGS?
“I didn’t buy iJet sooner because there wasn’t a local dealer. I need to know support is close. AGS gave me that—and not just with this machine, but all of them.”
Matrix 370: Lamination That Grows With You
Dave needed flexibility, and the Matrix 370 delivered. WIth optional add-ons as you grow with the Matrix, we were able to provide a solution that fit his needs. Most importantly, the flexibility of film options for his wide range of jobs.
“I didn’t like being stuck with proprietary film. Now I’ve got options—and I can add feeders or cutters as I go. It’s a great addition to my finishing.”
Horizon Finishing: Binding That Pays for Itself
Dave started small and scaled up. His story started from a manual binder to a robust automated system with Horizon equipment.
“My first binder lasted two months. My first Horizon BQ-270 has lasted five years. On my second BQ-270 and added the HT-300, and it’s been a game-changer.”
“We had a job—50 landscape bound copies. I did it in-house and saved $300. Quick setup, consistent results. That’s what I need.”
In addition to his Horizon binding set-up, he aded the CRF-362 creaser/folder last year to automate this process. He had this to say:
“Nobody else has anything like the CRF. If I’m not efficient, I’m not working right. Horizon brings the efficiency I need to keep my make ready time low and labor costs down.”
Efficiency First, Always
For Dave, everything comes down to one principle: If I’m not efficient, I’m not productive. And if I’m not automating, I’m not growing.
“Automating everything has kept my labor costs down, I don’t have to hire many people. All you need to do is hand work for automation features. At the end of day I have doubled production with efficiency and automation.”
-Dave Ridgway, Mailers Computer Services
That mindset has shaped his equipment choices—and we’re proud to have helped make them happen. From printing to finishing to boxing, Dave has built a setup that works as hard as he does. His hard work and dedication has transformed his shop and business in ways we are so proud to see.
At the end of the day, seeing shops like Dave’s thrive is exactly why we do what we do. Helping our customers succeed, grow, and love what they do—that’s the real payoff.
Contact us: 410-290-8200 / info@agspress.com
