Better Call Paul- How Printrade Built a High-Performance Trade Print Operation

In the trade print market, reputation is everything. When other printers need support to deliver tight deadlines, specialist applications or high-volume work, there’s a phrase that’s increasingly heard: “Better call Paul.”

With more than 12 years in the industry, Paul Ilieski, Director of Printrade, has positioned his business as a trusted production partner for other printers. Backed by the right technology and a clear focus on quality, Printrade has built the tools — and the capacity — to help others succeed. “Our mission is to help our clients grow in their industry by providing high-quality products that satisfy their customers,” Paul explains. “Your success is our success, and we strive to be a reliable partner in your business journey.” Printrade produces banners, labels, posters, rigid boards, stickers and wall coverings, working predominantly with trade customers who require reliable turnaround times and consistent premium results.

 A Strong Foundation

Printrade’s growth story began with the installation of the Canon Arizona 480 XT — a significant first investment that immediately positioned the business at a higher level. “The 480XT was our first printer,” Paul explains. “I know it’s not a common first printer, but jumping in with such a machine helped set the stone to what we’ve become today.”The Arizona’s ability to print oversized boards, as well as run two standard sheets simultaneously, allowed Printrade to maximize productivity from the outset. The 2.2m Roll Media Option has also been key in producing 2m-wide banners efficiently. The team regularly prints on foam PVC, foam board, corrugated plastic, and acrylic, often using white ink in spot or flood layers to achieve striking, high-impact finishes.

Expanding Capacity with Colorado

As demand for wide format work increased, Printrade began to feel production constraints. The addition of the Canon Colorado 1650 marked a turning point.  “The 1650 helped us break into the wide format market with a bit of a punch,” says Paul. “We were using the Arizona for all our wide format jobs until we bottlenecked it. The 1650 allowed us to print up to eight rolls of stock per day.” Four years later, continued growth led to the installation of the Canon Colorado M5, which now runs alongside the 1650.
“So far, the experience has been flawless,” Paul says. “There are improvements in the updated technology between the two, but on the production side it’s as simple as loading and hitting go.”
The M5 has effectively doubled Printrade’s capacity for self-adhesive vinyl, wall coverings, and posters, enabling the business to turn around sizable jobs within 24 hours — and in some cases, even the same day.

Performance That Wins Business

For Printrade, the real strength of the Colorado platform lies in the complete performance package it delivers. “Speeds, quality and reliability — all together,” Paul explains. “We’re able to turnaround sizable jobs in 24 hours. The durability of the UVgel inks and how sharp the quality is — every sample we’ve sent out has beaten expectations. That confidence helps us secure new clients.” Running both Colorado systems side by side has also reinforced the consistency of the platform, with seamless color matching and dependable results across machines.

A Partnership Approach

For Steven Badger, Head of Sales & Professional Services at Canon Production Printing, Printrade’s success highlights what’s possible when technology and partnership align.

“Our focus is always on helping customers maximize productivity and reliability,” Steven says. “With platforms like the Colorado and Arizona, automation and consistent performance give businesses the confidence to scale.” That relationship has made a lasting impression on Printrade. “10 out of 10,” Paul says of the experience. “Canon to us feels like family. From the installation to the support we receive and the relationships we’ve built over the years,  it’s a partnership that gives us total peace of mind.

Looking Forward

From the bold first step with the Arizona 480 XT to expanding production with the Colorado 1650 and M5, Printrade has built a print environment designed for efficiency, scalability, and premium output. By combining flatbed versatility with high-speed UVgel roll printing, the company has eliminated bottlenecks, increased capacity, and strengthened its position in the competitive trade print market.

For Printrade, continued growth is rooted in quality, trust, and delivering results that consistently exceed expectations.