Aarle-Rixtel, Netherlands – Artex knows innovation. Established more than 60 years ago, Artex produces semi-finished roller, fold, plissé and slat blinds and is always on the look out for new and innovative technologies. In 2005, the company began a partnership with Roland DG for the digital production of roller blinds. The results have been outstanding: in the next year Artex expects to produce about 50,000 digitally printed custom roller blinds.

Artex was founded in 1947 in Aarle-Rixtel, near Helmond in the Netherlands. In 1990, Artex became part of a multinational company, and currently has more than 200 employees. Originally, Artex’ main focus was weaving, but now it controls the complete production process - from weaving, washing, painting and coating to printing and pleating.

Eric Hendrikx explains how Artex incorporates digital printing into its production process

For years, Artex’ R&D group researched ways to eliminate the use of pigment inks and transfer techniques for its finished products. Technology specialist Eric Hendrikx and his colleagues tested different brands of digital printers and the Roland SOLJET SJ-1045 grand format printer ultimately emerged as the clear leader. Eric Hendrikx explains the advantages of digital printing: “The new generation of digital printers is faster, better and cheaper. Thanks to the digital printers, we can offer our customers very detailed work and a wide variety of color combinations. And, compared to more traditional production methods, it’s easy to add capacity. Roland DG helped us with the transfer to digital technology and the implementation of our new production environment. We currently use six Roland printers that produced about 115,000 square meters during the past year.”