BUSINESS / NEWS 10 www.signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Issue 256 - December 2024 / January 2025 EFKA launches new webshop for customers EFKA Frame Solutions, a producer of aluminium fabric frames and LED lightboxes, has announced the launch of its new webshop, which is fully integrated into EFKA’s website. The webshop was first announced during FESPA Global Print Expo 2024, Europe's largest annual trade fair for signage and visual communications. According to the company, the new platform is designed to be accessible on all devices and provide features that simplify and speed up the ordering process. Features include the addition of a configurator with a step-by-step guide that navigates customers through the selection process when choosing products. Paul Tomlinson, sales director of EFKA, comments: “We are excited to present our new webshop to our partners. With this digital innovation, we are taking a significant step forward to make the calculation and ordering process for our customers even better, faster, and easier.” EFKA has plans for further developments to the webshop in the future. Tomlinson comments: “Feedback from partners plays a crucial role in this process, allowing us to continuously improve the user experience.” EFKA, which was founded in 1888 as a wholesaler in wooden frames, acquired DPI UK in 2023. The UK operation is based in the East Midlands, near to Castle Donington and East Midlands Airport. Its output ranges from one-off signage units to mass production roll- outs. The acquisition reportedly increased the company’s production capabilities within the UK, as well as providing larger support and resources from the Netherlands. Smith partners with B2B trade payment platform Mondu Trade signage company Smith has announced a partnership with B2B trade payment platform Mondu, to provide instalment payment plans for its new ROLLSROLLER sign-making flatbed applicator. Mondu is a payment solutions provider of flexible payment options to spread the cost of purchases. Using the Mondu system, Smith customers can pay for its ROLLSROLLER flatbed applicator in either three-month or six-month instalments. Mondu’s platform reportedly simplifies the purchasing process. According to Smith, customers can expect an instant application and, in most cases, an immediate decision. There are buyer fees associated with both of these instalment purchase options: an additional 2.49% in the case of three-month instalments, and 4.99% in the case of the sixmonth option. By Jonathan Pert Firstlite opens new LED testing facility Firstlite LED Systems, a supplier and manufacturer of LED modules to the UK signage market, has launched a new testing area at its headquarters in Gateshead. The new facility is designed to offer a space for performance analysis of its range of products as well as allowing customers to test their own signage designs. The facility is also equipped with cameras that allow sign-makers to test remotely, if they cannot visit the facility in person. Managing director of Firstlite, Megan Woodcock, says: “It was really important to have the testing space so that we can fully understand how our products perform. “Not only that, but we also wanted to offer our customers the opportunity to see the product in action within their signage.” Going into more detail about the new facility, Woodcock says: “We’ve created this space to help customers who may have a specific job, such as trying to eliminate shadows in complex signage. “Customers can bring their materials and we’ll provide the LEDs and adjust the setup to match their unique requirements.” Coloreel under new ownership It has been announced that Coloreel Group, a Swedish direct-to-embroidery thread dyeing print company, is resuming operations under new ownership. The company has relaunched as Coloreel International AB. In July of 2024, SignLink reported that the company had filed for bankruptcy. The company had struggled to develop business volume quickly enough to secure the necessary financing to keep itself in the clear. At the time the bankruptcy was declared, the business had over 90 customers in the global market and over 120 granted patents across 45 markets. The newly relaunched Coloreel International AB will remain headquartered in Sweden with a smaller dedicated team. Responses to the news on social media have been widely positive. One commenter on LinkedIn asked: “Good news, so we can start to sell Coloreel embroidery again?” However, not all responses were as enthusiastic. One commenter questioned: “Market said no once. What’s different in the business plan now?” Details of the new ownership and who will be included in the reduced team are yet to be announced. SignLink will continue to monitor the news on the company. By Jonathan Pert EFKA employed a space theme at its FESPA 2024 stand, describing its new webshop as a ‘launch to the moon’ Firstlite’s range of products include LED reels, “neon flex” units and cabochon lighting as well as a wide range of modules and fittings Smith is a part of the William Smith Group 1832, which includes William Smith, a supplier of selfadhesive film
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