Brisbane-based custom apparel printer, The T-shirt Mill, has started 2026 with a strategic investment in automation, installing a range of ROQ machines from GJS to eliminate manual processes and drive competitive pricing across its product range.
These include the ROQ IMPRESS automatic DTF heat transfer press, the ROQ FEED automatic DTF transfer loading device, and the ROQ PEEL automatic DTF transfer removal machine.
Susan McAskill, director of The T-shirt Mill, tells Print21 that automation is part of the company’s long-term strategy, and as demand grows, it will continue to invest where it makes commercial sense.
“DTF has been brilliant for our business, but the manual pressing stage was always the constraint. You're placing transfers by hand, trying to get alignment perfect, then manually removing the film after pressing – it's slow, it requires several operators, and mistakes can be costly,” McAskill explained.
“The ROQ platform gives us a strong foundation to scale further and support both our direct and trade clients into the future. We reviewed several automation options, but ROQ stood out because it offers a fully integrated system built specifically for high-volume garment decoration.
“The FEED, IMPRESS and PEEL work seamlessly together, which removes bottlenecks and improves consistency. We invest for long-term scale, not short-term fixes. ROQ gave us confidence in reliability, output and quality at volume.”
The installation of these automation solutions – which took around three days for set-up, assembly and training – strengthens The T-shirt Mill's position as one of Australia's most comprehensively equipped garment decorators, with the investment enabling the business to maintain competitive pricing, while scaling production to meet growing demand.
“The gains have been substantial. We have significantly increased throughput, with capacity of up to around 500 garments per hour on optimal runs,” McAskill tells Print21.
“Manual handling has reduced across placement and peeling, allowing our team to focus on higher-value production tasks. Turnaround times, particularly for larger orders, have improved dramatically.”
“It has completely lifted our production ceiling. We can now confidently take on larger clients, manage peak demand and price competitively without compromising margin or quality.
“It strengthens our position as a reliable partner for trade and wholesale customers who need speed and consistency at scale.”
The IMPRESS, FEED and PEEL form part of ROQ's automated DTF workflow solutions. With laser-guided positioning and automated film removal, the system delivers consistent accuracy with production up to 500 garments per hour, with fewer operators required.
“With the new ROQ solutions, we're producing significantly more garments per hour with less labour input," McAskill added.
“That means we can take on more jobs, turn work around faster, and most importantly, price more competitively. We've already started re-pricing our DTF products because the cost savings from automation make it viable to be more aggressive in the market.”
According to Greg Stone, managing director of GJS, 2026 is shaping up as a pivotal year for automation adoption across the Australian print industry.
“Businesses that have been watching from the sidelines are recognising that automation isn't a luxury or a future consideration, it's a business necessity, and the competitive advantage it delivers is immediate,” said Stone.
“In the next few years, we’re going to see the continued proliferation of DTF automation technology. We’re already seeing the rise of entry-level automatic DTF transfer cutters from the likes of Secabo, and ROQ continues to refine its automation solutions for each step in the DTF process.
“DTF has transformed the industry faster than any previous printing method, and I expect its evolution to include faster printers, more environmentally friendly film, and eventually become possibly powderless.”
Stone noted that ROQ's presence in the Australian market has grown substantially since GJS became the brand's exclusive distributor in late 2023, with installations now spanning multiple states and applications beyond DTF.
“Labor costs are only going to continue to increase, and every dollar you can save towards automation is money well spent,” Stone added.
“ROQ has moved from being a relative newcomer to becoming a recognised name across screen printing, DTF, and automated finishing.
“When established operations like The T-shirt Mill invest in ROQ technology, it sends a clear signal about where the industry is heading. Automation is becoming a non-negotiable for businesses that want to compete on price, speed, and consistency."
The entire ROQ range of solutions are available Australia-wide exclusively via GJS.