In large-format printing, success depends not only on print quality but also on the ability to deliver high volumes within extremely short deadlines, adapt to technically demanding projects, and select the most suitable materials for every application. This is precisely the market segment in which Printpoint has been operating successfully for the past 12 years, specialising in large-format printing solutions for advertising, interior design, and public events.
“We print the things that traditional printing houses cannot produce because of their size or the specific nature of the order,” explains Juris Abatnieks, Managing Director of Printpoint. The company primarily serves advertising agencies, which in turn work with a wide range of commercial clients, including businesses, shopping centres, retail chains, sports event organisers, and other event organisers running brand campaigns across the Baltic States.
Located near Ķekava, the company currently employs 12 people. Over recent years, its annual turnover has grown by an average of 15–20%, with the only interruption occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic, when growth temporarily slowed. A more significant step forward came several years ago through the acquisition of a competing company and the integration of its customer portfolio. Exports currently account for approximately 10–15% of the company’s business, mainly through partnerships with customers across the Baltic States and by supporting international brands operating in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.
According to Abatnieks, exports in the large-format printing industry are constrained by high production and logistics costs, as well as intense international competition. As a result, the company’s growth strategy focuses primarily on specialisation, speed, and the ability to deliver technically demanding projects throughout Latvia and the Baltic region.
Although competition within the sector is intense, Abatnieks believes there are relatively few companies in Latvia capable of combining high production capacity with a broad service portfolio and advanced technical expertise.
“There are many competitors, but not many real experts in this industry. I estimate there are around 400 large-format printing companies operating in Latvia. This is largely because the barriers to entry are relatively low—you can start with just a few machines and comparatively modest investment. However, most are small businesses operating one or two printers or acting as intermediaries. Companies the size of Printpoint, capable of handling large production volumes, offering a comprehensive range of services, and completing complex orders within very tight deadlines, number only around ten to twelve in Latvia,” he says.
As an example, Abatnieks points to a recent major sporting event for which the company produced thousands of square metres of printed materials within just one week, while simultaneously fulfilling orders for its existing customers.
“Not every company is capable of delivering this kind of volume within such a short timeframe,” he notes.
One of Printpoint’s competitive strengths is its extensive expertise in materials and their applications. Before founding the company, Abatnieks worked for one of the world’s largest manufacturers of self-adhesive films, experience that now enables Printpoint to recommend the most suitable materials and technologies for each individual project.
In such a competitive market, winning new business depends not only on long-standing customer relationships and trust but also on offering competitive pricing. Efficient production processes and automation play a crucial role in achieving this. With support from the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), Printpoint invested in an automated cutting system that has significantly reduced manual work and enabled a relatively small team to process larger workloads in less time. According to the company, tasks that previously required around 30 minutes of manual work can now be completed in just five to ten minutes using the new equipment.
“Many companies with a similar turnover employ considerably more people. Thanks to carefully selected equipment, we can achieve the same output with a smaller team. The newly acquired machine has made a valuable contribution to that efficiency,” says Abatnieks.
At the same time, the company continues to improve its internal management and data administration processes. Another project is expected to be implemented in the near future with the support of LIAA’s business support instruments. Printpoint plans to introduce an integrated business management and order processing system that will enable the company to prepare quotations and technical solutions more quickly and consistently, transfer orders directly to production, and automate everyday administrative processes, including delivery notes and other business documentation.
Looking ahead, the company is also evaluating opportunities to launch the production of a new, more export-oriented product. While Abatnieks does not yet disclose further details for competitive reasons, he confirms that market demand already exists and that the new product could significantly strengthen the company’s export potential—an area that is traditionally limited within the large-format printing industry.
This publication has been produced with financial support from the Recovery and Resilience Facility project “Digital Services Platform for Business Development”. The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the author. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the European Commission.
