Ainsely Signs Targets Triple Growth and Market Expansion with Strategic Investment in Generation 5 Nyala Technology from swissQprint
Manchester, United Kingdom – December 9th 2025 – Ainsely Signs, a Manchester-based leader in the signage industry, has announced a significant expansion into new markets following the installation of a state-of-the-art Generation 5 Nyala flatbed printer from swissQprint.
This strategic acquisition underpins the company’s ambitious roadmap to triple its turnover within the next five years, leveraging advanced technology to secure a foothold in the retail, design, and trade sectors.
Established in 1952, Ainsely Signs has built a robust reputation within the residential construction sector, delivering quality service for over seven decades.
The recent appointment of Managing Director Dale Broadhead, who joined the firm 12 months ago, signals a new era of aggressive growth and innovation.
The investment in the Nyala 5, featuring a roll-to-roll option and expanded colour capabilities, allows the business to process a wider array of substrates, including aluminium composite material, Foamex, and acrylics.
The Nyala 5 represents a leap forward in production efficiency, boasting speeds up to 23 per cent faster on average than its predecessor, and over 80 per cent faster in certain quality modes.
This capability enables Ainsely Signs to meet the rigorous demands of new markets while maintaining exceptional standards.
Dale Broadhead, Managing Director, commented on the strategic shift: “The Nyala enables us to go into sectors like retail, design and trade, enhancing our print quality. It really showcases what we can do for a raft of new blue-chip customers.”
Ian Maxfield, Regional Sales Manager at swissQprint UK, said: “Ainsley Signs is a business that's eager to grow into markets that demand higher quality and fast turnaround. The Nyala 5 is the best wide format printer that can do this as well as making a compelling environmental case. We’re delighted that Ainsley has become the latest UK customer of this state-of-the-art next generation machine.”
The decision to acquire the Nyala was driven by a shared vision between Broadhead and Co-owner Josh Ainsely, both of whom recognized the machine's potential to unlock creative freedom.
Broadhead noted, “It was a printer he wanted and really liked its endless creative possibilities. Our team are very excited about the Nyala, which is great to see. It shows our pure passion for print and we love making signs.”
Beyond performance, the investment aligns with Ainsely Signs' commitment to sustainable and ethical manufacturing. The Nyala 5 is highly energy-efficient, consuming an average of just 2.2 kilowatt-hours of electricity—comparable to a standard kettle.
This addition complements recent infrastructure upgrades, including a new insulated factory roof and solar panels designed to power the facility naturally.
“Sustainability isn't just at the heart of our business but also forms part of our re investment plan,” added Broadhead. “We've instantly seen a reduction in bills.”
The company plans to double the capacity of its Middleton site and invest in further finishing equipment to support this trajectory.
About swissQprint
Based in Kriessern, Switzerland, swissQprint is a globally renowned manufacturer of high-quality large-format printing solutions.
Its portfolio includes versatile flatbed and roll-to-roll printers designed to meet the demands of industries ranging from signage to fine art.
With sustainability and precision at the core of its operations, swissQprint continues to redefine what’s possible in digital printing.
Agility is one of our strengths. 30 percent of the workforce at our Swiss headquarters focus on research and development.
Right next door to our production facility.
So new ideas and improvements quickly find their way into our series production – which means you can always rely on state-of-the-art solutions.