Vanguard Digital Unveils Ultra Productive New Printer – The Radnor
Franklin, TN – April 14, 2025: Continuing its streak of innovation and industry-firsts, Vanguard Digital, a Durst Group Company, proudly announces the launch of its latest printer: The Radnor. Making its debut at booth #2624 during the 2025 ISA Expo, The Radnor expands Vanguard’s already robust fleet of printers, unlocking new possibilities for a wide range of print service providers. Much like its namesake, Tennessee’s scenic Radnor Lake, the Radnor was created out of necessity, shaped with intention, and built to help Vanguard clients reach new heights. This versatile 3.2-meter UV-LED hybrid printing system is a true all-in-one solution, effortlessly handling both rigid and roll substrates. The Radnor can be configured with up to three rows of printheads, delivering astonishing print speeds of up to 6,146 sq. ft./hr. Equipped with Kyocera 4pl variable-dot printheads and a magnetic linear drive system, it ensures precise drop placement and stunning image quality. “In a year full of milestones, growth and reflections, it’s incredibly meaningful to introduce The Radnor,” said Jim Peterson, Founder and COO, Vanguard Digital. “Our evolution can be seen and felt across every aspect of our business—from the scale of our operations to the sophistication of our offerings. We have a team devoted to the continued pursuit of developing the business and pouring their brilliance into new ideas and innovations. The Radnor builds on the momentum we’ve created over the past few years—delivering faster, high-quality, and accessible printers for every level of print service provider. The Radnor stands as our most advanced machine to date. I’m excited to unveil it at ISA this week and look forward to seeing it in the hands of our customers, partners and friends.” Designed for high quality print production the Radnor offers robust and elevated features: Upgradeable, with up to three rows of printheads Six independently controlled vacuum zones Optional white and varnish ink Continuous Print Mode for efficient rigid sheet production X-axis manual cutter and Y-axis slitter for flexible materials Dual-side operation with mirrored controls and foot pedal access Automatic board registration Eco-conscious engineering with no VOCs, lower power usage, and reduced waste As the newest addition to Vanguard’s “Redefined Productivity” line, The Radnor represents a leap forward in wide-format printing innovation. Visit Vanguard Digital at booth #2624 to experience how American Innovation and Worldwide Precision come together to power the next generation of print.
Grimco Announces New North American Partnership with Vanguard Digital Printing Systems
Toronto, ON, CAN and St. Louis, MO, USA — April 14, 2025 — Grimco, a leading wholesale distributor and manufacturer to the sign and graphics industry, is proud to announce a new partnership with Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, a Durst Group Company, to bring Vanguard’s award-winning printing equipment to customers across all of North America — with Grimco serving as the exclusive distributor for Canada. With a strong footprint of local branches from Vancouver to Dartmouth, and a dedicated Canadian team, Grimco has supported the sign and graphics industry in Canada for over a decade. This strategic collaboration with Vanguard to make Grimco Canada the exclusive distributor further solidifies Grimco’s position as a trusted, local supplier committed to offering best-in-class technology and regional support from coast to coast. We’re incredibly excited to become Vanguard’s exclusive distributor for printers in Canada,” said Marc Belzil, Vice President of Grimco Canada. “This partnership aligns perfectly with Grimco’s commitment to bringing industry-leading technology and value to our customers. Vanguard’s innovation, paired with Grimco’s national reach and support, creates a powerful opportunity for growth—and we can’t wait to hit the ground running. This partnership marks a significant step forward in Grimco’s mission to provide the most well-rounded lineup of equipment and software solutions in the industry. Vanguard’s cutting-edge technology brings a vast portfolio of print solutions built around a modular, field-upgradable design — giving customers the power to upgrade their capabilities as their business grows. With features like increased print speeds, support for greater material thickness, and hybrid roll-to-roll/rigid media versatility, Vanguard equipment is designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s print professionals. Vanguard was founded to make high-quality printing equipment more accessible and better suited to the real needs of print service providers,” said Jim Peterson, Founder and COO, Vanguard Digital. “We’ve always believed that strong partnerships are key – working closely with customers to improve our machines, with vendors to use the best technology, and with dealers to reach more print shops. That’s why we’re so excited to partner with Grimco. They share our commitment to customer success and bring the knowledge and support that can truly make a difference. Together, we’re ready to help more businesses grow and thrive. With 150 years of experience serving the sign and graphics industry, Grimco is proud to combine its deep-rooted expertise with Vanguard’s innovative technology to deliver customizable, future-ready printing solutions across North America. Partnering with Vanguard allows us to offer even more value to our customers across North America,” said Julie McClain, Director of Hardware & Software at Grimco US. “Vanguard brings some of the industry’s best, scalable print technology that gives our customers the flexibility to invest in equipment that fits their needs today — with the confidence that they can scale up when they’re ready. It’s an exciting step forward in delivering a combined commitment of expertise, innovation and support to our customers to help them grow their business. What truly sets this partnership apart is Grimco’s consultative approach. Whether customers are investing in their first wide-format printer or expanding an existing workflow, Grimco’s knowledgeable local team members work closely with them to identify the right solution for their business needs — now and into the future. About Grimco Established in 1875, Grimco has grown to be a leading distributor and manufacturer of sign supplies and equipment for the sign and graphics community. With over 70 locations across the United States, Canada, and the UK, Grimco provides essential items and favorite everyday products from trusted brands. Grimco proudly serves the graphics, traffic, electrical, and screen printing industries. About Vanguard Digital Printing Systems Founded in 2015 and now a Durst Group Company, Vanguard is a leading manufacturer of UV-LED flatbed, roll-to-roll, and hybrid printers serving the signage, décor, corporate, industrial, and packaging sectors. With a mission to deliver the best ownership experience in the wide-format market, Vanguard emphasizes high levels of service, outstanding communication, and customer care.
Vanguard Digital Printing Systems Announces State-Of-The-Art Experience Center
Franklin, TN – February 2025: It is with tremendous excitement and pride that Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, A Durst Group Company, announces the opening of their highly anticipated experience center, located in Franklin, Tennessee. With the explosive growth Vanguard has experienced over the last several years, the addition of a designated experience center was a necessity to address the needs of a growing dealer and customer base. “This industry is our passion, and Vanguard is the way we show it. We have come a long way since we first opened, and it is awesome to look back on the journey,” reflected Jim Peterson, COO and Founding Partner of Vanguard Digital. “This experience center is the culmination of all our hard work, and we are humbled by all of the support we have received, and incredibly grateful to be here at this moment as a result of the trust we have been given by our partners and friends. Franklin embodies the roots of our company: salt of the earth, hard-working, wholesome, and comforting, and we couldn’t have picked a better place to be.” Peterson calls Franklin home, and is, “excited to show our visitors the historic and scenic beauty and the southern spirit of this incredible town.” The opening of this Experience center symbolizes something else important to Vanguard history – it’s 10th year. Vanguard Digital Printing Systems was founded in 2015 by a couple of friends looking to corporealize their dream and make a difference in the print industry. In the ten years since its founding, Vanguard has grown from an idea into a 30+ employee operation, servicing a wide range of customer with the help of numerous devoted dealer partners, with three locations across the United States. This success has been due to one simple idea: Growing Your Business, Together. By viewing their customers as partners, and by investing in their success, Vanguard continues to build long-lasting partnerships that continue to grow in every direction. The new Vanguard Experience Center is now open at 117 Seaboard Lane, Suite D100, in Franklin, Tennessee, just twenty miles south of Nashville. The Experience Center joins their headquarters in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and their West Coast Demo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Vanguard looks forward to welcoming current and future customers to the culturally rich and inviting town of Franklin to experience the vast solutions they have to offer the print industry.
Vanguard Digital Announces Official Opening of West Coast Demo Center in Partnership with Chroma Imaging
Video linked here Lawrenceville, GA – January 2025: Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, A Durst Group Company, has seen tremendous growth over the last several years. In response to this growth, Vanguard has added new staff, partnered with new dealers and most recently, added a new demo facility on the west coast. In partnership with long-time Vanguard supporter and user, Chroma Imaging, this new facility will provide easier access to Vanguard technology for current and future customers on the west coast. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, the new 25,000 sq/ft state-of-the-art facility will serve two purposes: a demo center for Vanguard, and a west coast operations point for Chroma Imaging. The idea of this hybrid facility was born from a loyal relationship and mutual faith in respect in each company. “We have quite a few clients in Las Vegas and a lot of potential clients that have asked us to cover more of the West Coast area. Las Vegas is the best place for trade show graphics, which is our primary business, so expansion made sense,” commented Felix Wijaya, CEO of Chroma Imaging. “Partnering with Vanguard on this also made sense. The founding partners and I, we’ve known each other for a long time, so there is trust there.” “Chroma and Vanguard have long and rich partnership. In eight years, they’ve invested in Vanguard multiple times for their two east coast facilities,” commented Jim Peterson, COO and Founding Partner of Vanguard Digital. “When Felix was looking to open a full production shop in Las Vegas and add more Vanguard printers to his arsenal, a partnership to have a Western Region Demo Center came up. We quickly moved on this opportunity and are both thrilled to represent Vanguard in their Las Vegas Production Shop.” The demo center holds three of the seven Vanguard printers Chroma owns: a VRK3200-HS roll-to-roll printer, a VKH900-HS hybrid printer and a VK300D-HS flatbed printer. This is not the first time Vanguard and Chroma have shared an experience together. Wijaya reflected, “Early on, Dave Cich asked if I would field-test the new VK. It was an interesting opportunity, and I knew he and Vanguard would do everything right as we navigated the new machine together. We worked together refining and tweaking the machine, and through that, built a great understanding and respect for each other, our businesses, and solidified trust going forward.” A select group of Vanguard dealers and partners received a preview of the new facility in September of 2024 leading up to the PRINTING United Expo. The facility was well received, earning enthusiasm and excitement for the new potential it brings to the west coast. This exciting news further solidifies Vanguard’s status in the marketplace, and their unwavering commitment to the customers. Wijaya concluded, “I trust what Vanguard does. Not only the owners, but also the technicians, and the equipment. I’m hoping by having this demo center, Vanguard will be able to sell even more printers. I’d like to see Vanguard be successful as a partner, that would be a great feeling for me.”
Like-Minded Mac Papers and Packaging and Vanguard Digital Announce Partnership
Lawrenceville, GA – December 2024: 2024 has been a year of tremendous growth for Vanguard Digital, seeing expansion to their product offerings, their awards and recognitions and their partnerships. With continued growth in mind, Vanguard Digital has partnered with Mac Papers and Packaging, one of the largest wholesale distributors in the southeastern United States. With almost 60 years of experience, Mac Papers brings extensive reach and experience to their customer base. “Aligning with the best equipment manufacturers is a top priority for Mac Papers & Packaging,” commented Chris Jones, Vice President of Mac Papers & Packaging. “We want to ensure our valued customers remain on the leading edge of print production and technology.” For this reason, Vanguard Digital was a great fit for Mac Paper’s portfolio. Jones continued, saying “They’ve won the Pinnacle Product award for eight straight years which is a testament to their innovation and quality. We also share similar values around customer service, technical support, and educational training.” “We are very excited to partner with Mac Papers and Packaging,” commented Jim Peterson, COO and Founding Partner of Vanguard Digital. “Vanguard Digital was founded by a small group of individuals with the goal of offering best-in-class solutions to print service providers, backed by expertise and unparalleled customer service. In addition to aligned values and business goals, Mac Papers started very much the same, and we are confident this partnership will honor the origins of each brand, and the commitments we offer our customers.” The partnership is an exciting conclusion to the year and promises new opportunities to customers in 2025. “I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together by focusing on the issues our customers are facing and coming up with creative solutions that foster growth and efficiency,” concluded Jones.
Harpeth Print-To-Cut Workflow Solution – PRINTING United Expo 2024
Dan Marx, Content Director for Wide Format Impressions talks with Jim Peterson, COO and Founding Partner of Vanguard Digital Printing Systems about the brand-new Harpeth print-to-cut workflow solution at the 2024 PRINTING United Expo.
Vanguard Digital Expands Reach with American Print Consultants Partnership
Lawrenceville, GA – October 2024: Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, a Durst Group Company, is pleased to announce their partnership with American Print Consultants (APC). Owned and operated by seasoned industry experts, APC boasts one of the largest teams of knowledgeable employees and support technicians of any graphics equipment distributor in the Northeast, Carolinas, Mid-Atlantic and Mid-west. “Vanguard is growing at an incredible rate, and our sales reflect that,” commented Jim Peterson, COO and Founding Partner of Vanguard. “Our technology is innovative and answers the needs of so many print service providers, so we wanted to partner with a trusted distributor who could elevate their current and future clientele with our solutions. Bringing the level of experience, dedication, and customer commitment we bring is important to us, and we know American Print Consultants mirrors our approach and will be an incredible partner as we continue to grow and expand.” The partnership is beneficial for APC as well. The increase in customer requests for features such as higher speeds, greater material thickness, hybrid roll/rigid material capabilities and more left an opening in their offerings they were looking to fill. Rob Almstrom, CEO of APC stated, “I’m thrilled with the range of configuration options and customization offered by Vanguard Digital. The fact that the machines are designed with a ‘modular’ and field-upgradable ethos is a great benefit for both APC and our customers. Being able to offer a customer a solution that fits their current budget and production requirements, knowing that we can later upgrade them to a greater number of heads, as their productivity needs increase, is remarkable.” This partnership unites Vanguard’s vast portfolio of printing solutions and APCs trusted reputation, resulting in redefined productivity, incredible speed and quality, and scalability to their loyal customers.
Winning Lineup – Vanguard Digital Brings All Winners to 2024 PRINTING United Expo
Lawrenceville, GA – August 2024: Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, a Durst Group Company, announces their award-winning PRINTING United Expo lineup. The four printers Vanguard will be presenting hold five of the nine Pinnacle Product awards they won this year, ensuring the industry’s best to all those who visit them in booth C1537. Starting the lineup is the VK3220T-HS; a user-friendly flatbed with up to 1800 dpi print resolution and speeds up to 3,875 sqft/h. Alongside it will be the true roll-to-roll, 3.2-meter (126”) VKR3200-HS printer which is capable of producing up to 3,000 sqft/h. With them, the versatile VKH900-HS Hybrid will be on display and can accommodate rolls up to 98” wide and flat media up to 2.5” thick and 10 lbs./sqft. Finally, the VR6D-HS Flatbed printer, rounds out the lineup with its latest state-of-the-art Ricoh Gen 6 printhead technology and high-speed magnetic drive. All Vanguard printers offer unparalleled speed, resolution, and quality. In addition to their printers, Vanguard will be unveiling something special this year, and they’re sharing it first with those who stop by booth C1537. Jim Peterson, COO and Founding Partner, Vanguard Digital North America, commented, “We have truly embodied ‘Productivity Redefined’ with our latest printers, our latest updates and our latest innovations. We proudly support a multitude of print service provider needs, and always look forward to an opportunity to show the industry that we’re growing, we’re redefining, and we’re answering your needs. The technology in our booth is next-level, and we can’t wait to share it with you.” Vanguard’s technology will be shown alongside Durst’s, demonstrating the full spectrum of systems and solutions Durst Group has to offer. Talk with one of our specialists in booth C1537 and learn how we can help you grow your business, together.
Digital Graphic Systems – Dealer Spotlight
We recently talked with Roberto Rodriguez of DGS – Digital Graphic Systems about their partnership with Vanguard Digital Printing Systems. “Vanguard has been a tremendous partner for us. We have been a distributor for them for many years,” commented Roberto. “There is a very important characteristic of all of their machines, it’s the upgradeability… you can increase the number of printheads as needed. That is very rare… it’s the perfect price and productivity balance.”
Durst Group Wins Astonishing Thirteen 2024 PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Awards
Rochester, NY and Lawrenceville, GA – July 2024: It is with tremendous honor that the Durst Group announces its win of thirteen (13) PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Awards this year. With this great success, they become the most highly awarded company two years in a row. “It is always an honor to receive recognition for our high quality, innovative solutions, but that feeling is heightened when the recognition is this substantial,” commented President and Managing Director of North America, Tim Saur. “Durst Group offers best-in-class products with an ongoing focus of continuous improvement and development for both hardware and software solutions. We are thankful for our lasting success with the Pinnacle Awards and look forward to maintaining our innovation leadership in the industry.” The Durst Group, which includes Vanguard Digital Printing systems, celebrates their award accomplishments this year. Since its introduction in 2021, the Durst P5 TEX / P5 TEX iSUB has won Pinnacle Awards for a fourth year in a row, for a total of seven awards. Vanguard entered into nine categories this year and won all nine categories. “It’s truly a testament to how we approach our technology, and to the amazing team we have across the country,” said Jim Peterson, COO and co-founder of Vanguard Digital. “As a group, Durst and Vanguard have brought significant advancement to the industry, continuously offering groundbreaking technology coupled with unrivaled quality and support. It is wonderful to be recognized like this, and to be part of this award-winning team.” The PRINTING United Alliance is the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, and with a highly qualified panel of judges across the printing industry, they evaluated the annual contest’s 160+ entries in more than 58 categories spanning analog, digital, output, and non-output technologies. The following products won 2024 Pinnacle Awards: Durst P5 TEX: awarded RTR Dye Sublimation on Textile (more than $100K) Durst P5 350 HSR: awarded RTR/hybrid/flatbed new technology Durst P5 TEX iSUB: awarded Roll-to-Roll Direct Disperse Ink on Textile Delta SPC 130: awarded Single Pass printer Vanguard VKR3200-HS: awarded Roll-to-Roll UV (over 80 in.) Vanguard VK3220T-HS: awarded UV Hybrid/Flatbed High Volume Prod. Class Vanguard VR6D-HS: awarded UV/Latex Flatbed ($100K – $200K) Vanguard VR6D-HS: awarded UV/Latex Flatbed + White ($100K – $200K) Vanguard VR5D-E: awarded UV/Latex Flatbed (under $100K) Vanguard VR5D-E: awarded UV/Latex Flatbed (under $70K) Vanguard VK300D-HS: awarded UV/Latex Flatbed ($200K – $500K) Vanguard VK300D-HS: awarded UV/Latex Flatbed + White ($200K – $500K) Vanguard VKH900-HS: awarded UV/Latex Hybrid¹ ($100-$500K) Durst Group won half of the 26 output awards given in this year’s awards, exemplifying their position in the industry. “The Pinnacle Awards celebrate the groundbreaking innovations and exceptional achievements shaping our industry’s future,” said Dawn Nye, Pinnacle Awards program manager PRINTING United Alliance. “With outstanding entries from companies like Durst, we always look forward to awarding technology now, and look forward to what we can expect to see in the future.”