中文CMYUK, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of wide-format print technology and materials, has announced a strategic partnership that underscores the evolving dynamics of the wide-format printing market in the United Kingdom. The company has appointed Liyu England, headed by managing director Eddie Tucker, as its first UK agent. This appointment represents more than a routine distribution agreement—it signals CMYUK’s commitment to providing enhanced technical support and infrastructure to users of Liyu equipment, while also positioning the company to capture growth in the expanding market for Chinese-built wide-format printers.
The agreement, which was signed on June 15, 2026, creates a structure that benefits customers of both companies. Liyu England customers will now have access to CMYUK’s extensive technical and engineering support, showroom infrastructure, and broad portfolio of production equipment and materials. A particular focus will be workflow integration and finishing solutions, including the JWEI range of digital cutting and finishing equipment that CMYUK represents.
For Eddie Tucker, the appointment represents an opportunity to provide his customers with a level of support and infrastructure that would be difficult to replicate independently. “Liyu England has strategically chosen to anchor itself within the CMYUK ecosystem because it gives my customers access to a level of infrastructure, knowledge and product choice that can genuinely support their next stage of growth,” Tucker commented. The partnership allows Tucker to remain the single point of contact for his customers while giving them access to CMYUK’s wider technology, materials, and support infrastructure.
Digital textiles will be a key focus area for the partnership. Tucker will work alongside CMYUK colour specialists to create dedicated UFabrik colour profiles for Liyu customers, ensuring optimal print quality and colour consistency—critical factors in the textile printing market where colour accuracy can make or break a sale. The ability to offer integrated solutions that combine reliable printing hardware with high-quality materials and expert colour management is increasingly important as the digital textile market matures and customers become more sophisticated in their requirements.
Robin East, group chief commercial officer at CMYUK, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. He described Tucker as a “highly committed, customer-orientated figure in the Liyu community” and emphasised that the agreement gives Tucker the platform to continue supporting that community with the full backing of CMYUK. East added that as the Chinese printer market expands, CMYUK is keen to service this sector and offer extended production solutions, with the company’s engineering division elevating warranty and customer service for this emerging market.
The appointment comes at a time when the market for Chinese-built wide-format printers is expanding rapidly in the UK and Europe. Manufacturers such as Liyu have made significant strides in recent years in terms of build quality, reliability, and feature sets, challenging the dominance of more established European and Japanese brands. For many print service providers, particularly those operating in cost-sensitive segments or serving price-conscious customers, Chinese-built printers offer an attractive combination of capability and value.
However, the growth of Chinese printer adoption has also highlighted the importance of after-sales support and service. Printers are complex pieces of equipment that require regular maintenance, occasional repairs, and ongoing technical support. For customers who have invested in Liyu equipment, the partnership with CMYUK addresses a critical need: access to high-quality technical support and a reliable supply of consumables and spare parts.
The partnership also reflects broader trends in the wide-format printing market. As the market has matured, the competitive landscape has shifted. It is no longer sufficient for suppliers to simply provide hardware; success increasingly depends on the ability to offer comprehensive solutions that integrate hardware, software, materials, and support. Customers are looking for partners who can help them improve productivity, expand into new applications, and get more from the equipment they already own.
CMYUK and Liyu England will be showcasing their partnership at The Print Show 2026, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from September 29 to October 1. The event will provide an opportunity for existing and potential customers to see the Liyu range firsthand, learn about the enhanced support now available through CMYUK, and explore integrated workflow and finishing solutions.
As the wide-format printing market continues to evolve, partnerships such as this one between CMYUK and Liyu England illustrate how collaboration and ecosystem building are becoming increasingly important. In a market characterised by rapid technological change, intensifying competition, and evolving customer requirements, the ability to offer comprehensive, integrated solutions is a significant competitive advantage.
Source: Printweek
