Japan-based Mimaki, manufacturers of wide-format printers and cutters, announces that it is opening its JP Demonstration Center in Tokyo, and is also opening a textile and industrial Lab Center at its headquarters in Tomi-city, Nagano.

While digital printing is already a staple of the sign and graphics markets, the company says that in recent years the textile and industrial markets have been seeing a gradual transition away from conventional analog plate-based printing to digital.

The new facilities, the company says, are designed to help Mimaki retain its position as a market leader and innovator.

The JP demo center, in central Tokyo, is equipped with printers—mainly large-format types —for all of the markets the company serves. In the demo center, which will be about 1,800 square feet, specialists who are knowledgeable about individual markets offer product information and demonstrations.

In the company's Lab Center, the focus will be on research and development, Mimaki says. It also intends on opening up similar labs in other countries including Italy, Turkey and China, all opening this year.