How Probo Optimizes Large Format Banner Finishing with PLASTGrommet Technology
Automation in Real Production Conditions
Probo, a trade printing company with production facilities in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, is an organization where innovation plays a central role.
Founded in 2001 in the Netherlands under the name Probo Sign, the company initially focused on signage and engraving. In 2007, Probo introduced its unique reseller model, making high-tech printing accessible to print professionals of all sizes.
Pictured (left to right): Douwe Pieter van der Galiën and Jordy de Jong, Probo.
International expansion, investment in sustainable solutions, and continuous technological advancements have shaped what Probo is today: a company supporting more than 12,000 print professionals, operating over 25,000 m² of production space, and offering more than 300,000 product combinations across 280+ materials.
As Probo continues to grow, it is essential that investment in new machinery remains aligned with its innovation-driven approach.
“Probo’s approach to selecting new equipment is aligned with the principles of Industry 5.0, where automation, human creativity and sustainability intersect to create a smarter and more efficient production environment,”
says Jordy de Jong, Marketing and Business Development Manager at Probo.
“This focus on future-ready technology reflects Probo’s mission to empower print professionals and lead the transition towards Industry 5.0 manufacturing—a smarter, more sustainable print industry built on innovation and collaboration.”
In this context, advanced finishing solutions—such as automated eyelet systems—play a key role in ensuring consistency, scalability and production efficiency.
Experiencing Automation in Action
When Probo first discovered PLASTGROMMET’s finishing solutions, the company was looking for ways to increase its capacity to deliver products faster and at a more competitive cost.
“We first came across PLASTGROMMET at FESPA 2021 in Amsterdam,” explains Jordy. “After seeing the All In One system in action, we were highly interested and initiated the quotation process.”
Among its most notable features are an automatic edge alignment system for roll materials, a vision system for precise detection of eyelets and cut marks, and industrial-grade hot air welders designed for continuous 24/7 operation. In 2022, Probo installed the All In One system at its Dokkum facility, and has experienced continuous growth ever since.
PLASTGROMMET’s All In One is a state-of-the-art automated solution for large format banner finishing, efficiently integrating welding, eyelet application and cutting into a single workflow. Designed to maximize productivity, it reduces lead times and labor costs while maintaining a compact footprint.
Probo’s All In One configuration allows for four fixed formats: 100 cm, 150 cm, 175 cm and 200 cm. In addition, customers can choose between hemmed finishing or hemmed finishing with eyelets.
“PLASTGROMMET’s communication was strong and well-structured. They made a significant effort to ensure everything worked correctly from the start. Comprehensive training sessions were provided for both operators and the technical team.”
New Markets with the All In One
Minimizing waste across the entire value chain through intelligent production techniques is at the forefront of Probo’s principles.
In 2022, the company strengthened its commitment to circular innovation with the launch of Sign Again, the first 100% circular material made entirely from used banners and cutting waste.
“With local on-demand production and circular solutions like Sign Again, we minimize environmental impact while maintaining the highest quality standards,”
says Jordy.
In 2024, Probo introduced Het Kompas, its roadmap for innovation and sustainability, initiating the construction of a fully automated warehouse and allocating a dedicated production space for Sign Again.
The partnership with PLASTGROMMET has played a key role in supporting Probo’s sustainability strategy, as Jordy explains:
Pictured (left to right): Douwe Pieter van der Galiën and Jordy de Jong, Probo.
“Over the years, I have overseen numerous installations and commissioning processes, and I can confidently say this has been one of the best.”
Speaking about the seamless workflow integration, Jordy adds:
“Orders from Probo.nl that match the All In One requirements are automatically captured at the prepress stage, where the platform identifies standard widths. Jobs are then consolidated by banner width, scheduled to a designated printer, and the printed roll is seamlessly fed into the All In One system.”
“PLASTGROMMET provides responsive and efficient support, ensuring that its technology runs seamlessly within our production environment. Their proactive communication, fast issue resolution, and expert guidance help us maintain the high standards our print professionals expect.”
This reliable partnership strengthens our ability to deliver quality, speed and innovation.”
Continuing on a Path of Growth
Since the beginning of the partnership, both companies have worked closely to reinforce the synergy between Probo’s print production processes and PLASTGROMMET’s equipment. This collaboration has also been showcased at events such as FESPA 2024 in Amsterdam—the same city where Probo and PLASTGROMMET first connected at the 2021 edition—where Sign Again was prominently featured at the PLASTGROMMET stand.
Looking ahead, as Probo consistently does, the relationship between Probo and PLASTGROMMET is set to continue evolving.
“We remain strongly focused on automation, robotics and AI, as these technologies drive efficiency, scalability and sustainability. Any innovation aligned with these priorities—including advancements from PLASTGROMMET—is of great interest to us.
We see PLASTGROMMET as a valuable partner, and we are continuously exploring new investments in their technology when it supports our mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our print professionals,”
says Jordy.