The Slough-based supplier launched its new digital textile division, headed by Peter Miles, at the end of August in response to customer demand.
The new textiles, targeting UV, dye-sub, solvent and latex wide-format printers and sign makers, include brand names Red-Eye, Butterfly and Man O’ War.
Miles said: “This is just the start. We’ll be launching two more products in the division in the next two weeks and we aim to eventually push the portfolio up to around 20 to 25 products.”
“The soft signage market is booming in the UK at the moment, demand is massive, and it’s really important we don’t miss that boat,” he added. “We are taking a really proactive approach on this. We are listening to our customers and this growth we are investing in should prove that.”
Red-Eye, designed for printing roll-ups, hanging banners, backlit displays and tents, is a 225gsm matt white woven, water-resistant fabric suitable for dye-sublimation, solvent and latex inks. The 1.5m-wide rolls are available in 25m and 100m lengths and cost £187 and £680 respectively.
Butterfly is a 120gsm, matt white knitted, double-sided flag fabric compatible with solvent and latex printing. Targeted at the beach flag, tear-drop and feather flag market, the 1,520mm x 25m rolls are priced at £130.
Third in the new range, Man O’ War, is a woven 200gsm fabric for UV, dye-sub, solvent and latex inks. Its water-resistant, fire-retardant and crease-free properties are designed for use on inflatables, tents, parasols, tension and backlit displays. The fabric is available in 1, 520mm x 35m rolls at £245 each.
APS, which Miles said has experienced record sales over the past two months, has a turnover of around £12m and employs around 42 people across its Slough and Rotherham sites.