Best Wide Format Project
Name: SEW-EURODRIVE UK
Company: Imageco
Description:
Imageco is a Leeds-based specialist in sustainable print, signage, display and exhibition build, creating immersive branded environments through the integration of creative design, advanced manufacturing and wide-format print.
For SEW-EURODRIVE UK, a global leader in drive technology and industrial gear systems, they sought to create an exhibition stand for Hillhead 2026, a construction-focused conference set outdoors within a live and operational limestone quarry.
The challenge was not simply the demanding environment where the exhibition will take place, but also to showcase products weighing up to 20 tonnes.
Having previously partnered with SEW-EURODRIVE on its Drive Academy and exhibition projects, Imageco was entrusted to design, manufacture and install an entirely bespoke 12m x 12m double-decker exhibition environment that would redefine how heavy engineering could be presented. Wide-format print played a central role in transforming the engineered structure into a premium branded environment.
Project Completion Date: January 1, 2026
Customer Reviews:
Demo Videos:
Supporting Statement
Engineering the Experience
Designed entirely in-house, the stand combined creative design with advanced CAD modelling to ensure every structural and graphical element worked seamlessly together before manufacture began. Constructed using fabricated steel, timber and a scaffolding substructure, the two-storey stand weighed approximately six tonnes and was engineered to safely support more than 20 tonnes of industrial gear units while maintaining a refined architectural appearance.
A bespoke staircase, glazed frontage and open hospitality space created an inviting environment that contrasted with the industrial setting of the quarry. Every design decision balanced engineering practicality with visitor experience, ensuring the stand remained functional while presenting SEW-EURODRIVE as an innovative, forward-thinking manufacturer.
Wide-Format Print at the Heart of the Project
Rather than being applied as decoration, wide-format print was fully integrated into the architecture of the stand.
The project incorporated 60m² of printed plywood flooring alongside black aluminium composite cladding, custom-cut graphic detailing, large built-up aluminium logos, halo-lit display plinths, printed wall graphics and 5 metres of branded flags. Every printed element was carefully colour managed to ensure the distinctive SEW-EURODRIVE red remained consistent across multiple materials, scales and applications, creating a cohesive visual identity throughout the entire environment.
The wide-format graphics unified every element of the stand, creating a consistent visual identity across flooring, architectural cladding, signage and branding despite the use of multiple substrates and fabrication techniques.
The result was a stand where print, structure and branding became one integrated experience, demonstrating how wide-format graphics can elevate heavy industrial products into a premium exhibition environment.
Innovation Through Materials and Manufacture
Material selection played a critical role in achieving both durability and visual impact.
Printed plywood flooring provided a robust finish capable of withstanding continuous visitor traffic while maintaining a premium appearance throughout the three-day event. Black ACM cladding transformed the structural framework into a clean architectural finish, with bespoke cut-outs introducing subtle graphic detailing directly into the construction rather than relying solely on applied graphics.
Custom powder-coated barrel seating and tables reinforced the brand palette throughout the hospitality areas, while halo-lit displays and fabricated aluminium logos added depth and visual presence. Every material was selected not only for its performance, but for its contribution to creating an immersive branded environment.
The stand was also designed for reuse at future Hillhead exhibitions, extending its operational life and reducing the need for complete rebuilds at subsequent events.
Technical Execution
Delivering a project of this scale required close collaboration between Imageco’s designers, CAD specialists, joiners, metal fabricators, print technicians and installation teams.
Advanced manufacturing technologies, including CNC machining, laser cutting, Zünd digital cutting and wide-format printing on the swissQprint Nyala 4 flatbed printer, supported the production process, enabling every component to be manufactured efficiently before assembly. The project was delivered over a three-month production timescale before being installed on-site within the demanding conditions of a live quarry environment using cranes and lifting equipment.
Despite the complexity of the build, every printed and fabricated element integrated seamlessly, creating a cohesive environment that showcased the technical expertise and collaborative approach behind the project.
Delivering Beyond the Brief
The finished stand transformed SEW-EURODRIVE’s exhibition presence, creating a premium branded environment that successfully showcased heavy industrial machinery while encouraging meaningful visitor engagement.
Andrew Turner, Managing Director of SEW-EURODRIVE UK, highlights that “the finished stand exceeded expectations and received excellent feedback from customers, partners and visitors throughout the exhibition. From the initial concept discussions through to final installation, the team at Imageco demonstrated exceptional professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail.”
By integrating wide-format print with engineered structures, fabricated elements and carefully selected materials, Imageco delivered far more than an exhibition stand. The project demonstrated the possibilities of print and build, transforming a complex industrial space into a visually striking brand environment while successfully fulfilling the client’s brief.
Entry ID: 2969