Colour Cartel accelerates growth with second ROQ in 14 months

Melbourne-based Colour Cartel has installed a new ROQ NEXT automatic screen-printing machine. This is the company's second significant ROQ investment in just 14 months, resulting from the rapid business growth enabled by ROQ's automation technology. 

The installation, completed last week by GJS, follows Colour Cartel's July 2024 deployment of Australia's first ROQ E electric screen-printing machine. The success of that initial investment drove such significant business expansion that founder Daniel Rim needed additional capacity to meet surging demand.

"The ROQ E opened doors we didn't even know existed," said Rim. "Within months of installation, we were actively pursuing larger print jobs and new market segments that were previously beyond our reach. The consistent quality and speed gave us the confidence to pitch for business we would never have considered with our previous manual processes."

The ROQ NEXT offers a production capability of up to 1,200 garments per hour, a 33 per cent increase over the ROQ E's 900 pieces per hour. It also includes advanced features, such as independent printhead lifting systems, and expanded colour options of 6 to 18 colours across 8 to 20 pallets.

"When we knew it was time to add another machine to our workflow, the path forward was clear, another ROQ through GJS," Rim continues. "Having the GJS team available for local install and support meant this installation went seamlessly, and we have complete confidence knowing we're fully supported whenever we need it." The rapid expansion reflects broader momentum across Australia's screen-printing sector, where forward-thinking businesses embrace automation to unlock new growth potential.

"Colour Cartel exemplifies exactly what we predicted when ROQ entered the Australian market," said Greg Stone, managing director of GJS. "The Australian market isn't just ready for automation, savvy operators like Daniel are proving that ROQ technology becomes a catalyst for business transformation, not just production improvement."

Stone noted that existing ROQ customers scaling into multiple machines demonstrates the maturity of Australia's printing industry and the competitive advantage automation provides.

"We're seeing a new pattern emerge where initial ROQ installations drive such rapid business growth that customers need additional capacity within 12-18 months," Stone added. "It validates our belief that Australian print shops have tremendous untapped potential when equipped with the right technology and support."

The ROQ NEXT installation has positioned Colour Cartel to expand its custom apparel, workwear, decals and signage services while maintaining the quick turnaround times that have become a cornerstone of its customer value proposition.