Melbourne-based Colour Cartel has installed a new ROQ NEXT automatic screen printing machine, marking the company's second major ROQ investment in just 14-months and demonstrating the rapid business growth enabled by ROQ's automation technology.
The installation, completed by print solutions provider GJS, follows Colour Cartel's deployment of Australia's first ROQ E electric screen printing machine in July 2024.
The success of that initial investment drove such significant business expansion that founder, Daniel Rim, said the company needed additional capacity to meet surging demand.
"The ROQ E opened doors we didn't even know existed. Within months of installation, we were actively pursuing larger print jobs and new market segments that were previously beyond our reach," said Rim.
“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 brings production capabilities of up to 1200 garments per hour, which is a 33 per cent increase over the ROQ E's 900 pieces per hour. It also comes with advanced features, including independent printhead lifting systems and expanded colour options supporting 6-18 colours across 8-20 pallets.
“When we knew it was time to add another machine to our workflow, the path forward was clear – another ROQ through GJS," Rim added.
“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."
According to Greg Stone, managing director of GJS, Colour Cartel’s rapid expansion reflects broader momentum across Australia's screen printing sector, where forward-thinking businesses are embracing automation to unlock new growth potential.
“The Colour Cartel exemplifies exactly what we predicted when ROQ entered the Australian market," Stone explained.
“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 demonstrated 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 said.
“It validates our belief that Australian print shops have tremendous untapped potential when equipped with the right technology and support.”
The ROQ NEXT installation positions 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.
Founded in 2019, Colour Cartel has grown from manual screen printing operations to become a technology-forward custom apparel printer serving businesses Australia-wide.
GJS has served as ROQ's distributor in Australia and New Zealand since October 2023, providing local support that is backed by over 46 years of industry experience.
The ROQ NEXT and the full range of ROQ products are available Australia-wide exclusively via GJS.
