RA Smart is legendary in the world of textile print, producing printed silk for royal houses around the world – whilst at the same being one of the top dye-sublimation and direct-to-textile print technology suppliers in the UK. For 2021 it took a bold new step and has expanded its inkjet interest significantly with the establishment of the specialist RA Smart (Large Format) Division.
Established almost 40 years ago, RA Smart (CAD & Machinery) was originally set up as a bespoke manufacturer and supplier of specialist short-run textile printing equipment and auxiliary equipment, supplying commercial printers, design studios and educational establishments all over the world, as well as throughout the UK.
The company is now expanding its product range and expertise with the appointment of a new partner, Adam Booth, who will be heading up the Large Format Solutions division.
This new partnership will allow RA Smart to reach new customers in different areas of the industry, whilst maintaining the support and expert knowledge for which it is renowned. It also means the company can open up its product range to include new printer solutions as well as auxiliaries, such as Summa Cutters, ONYX RIP software and much more.
“I believe this is a very exciting time for Smart’s collective business,” says Adam Booth, who continues: “The reputation, heritage and customer service focus of the RA Smart business perfectly fits into a diverse and expanding large-format channel. I believe that RA Smart now offers a unique portfolio of hardware, ink technology and media. This allows our clients to benefit from an unrivalled approach to delivering a total solution and application sale.”
Expertise and experience
The company has been at the forefront of digital textile technology since its early pioneering days in the late 1990s and has become expert in the supply and support of dedicated textile digital print solutions. Partnering with leading machine manufacturers, RA Smart has a large and varied customer base throughout the UK, covering a wide array of applications, including fashion, furnishing, sportswear, household textiles and soft signage.
As a result, the company says, it is in a unique position to advise and guide its customers through the various machine solutions, ink chemistries and processes required for any textile application.
With combined knowledge and experience spanning decades (RA Smart’s management team alone has over a 100 year’s combined experience in printed textiles), the company can offer a full ‘turnkey’ solution not only for textile digital printer requirements but also any pre or post textile process including coating systems, heat press technology, steaming and washing lines.
RA Smart (Large Format) is now trading and its brand new, Southern based, Application Centre will be opening later this year. Whilst this division will remain an independent entity, the customer experience will be completely seamless for the end-user across the RA Smart Machinery Group. The company’s brand new, equipment focussed website will automatically direct enquiries to the correct department, ensuring the best possible service.
