How Probo Optimizes Large Format Banner Finishing with PLASTGrommet Technology
Automation in Action
Probo, a commercial trade printer with production facilities in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, is a company where innovation is at the core of everything it does.
Founded in 2001 in the Netherlands as 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, continued investment in sustainable solutions, and ongoing technological innovation have shaped Probo into what it is today: a high-capacity production partner supporting more than 12,000 print professionals, operating over 25,000 m² of production space, and delivering more than 300,000 product combinations across 280+ materials.
International expansion, sustained investment in sustainable solutions, and continuous technological advancement have transformed Probo into what it is today: a highly scalable production operation supporting more than 12,000 print professionals, operating over 25,000 m² of production space, and delivering more than 300,000 product combinations across 280+ materials.
“Probo’s approach to selecting new equipment aligns with the principles of Industry 5.0—where automation, human creativity and sustainability come together to create a smarter, 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 toward Industry 5.0 manufacturing—a smarter, more sustainable print industry built on innovation and collaboration.”
See Automation in Action
When Probo first discovered PLASTGROMMET’s finishing solutions, the company was looking for ways to increase throughput, deliver faster turnaround times, and improve cost efficiency.
“We first connected with PLASTGROMMET at FESPA 2021 in Amsterdam,” explains Jordy. “After seeing the All In One system in action, we were immediately interested and moved forward with the quoting process.”
Key features include an automatic roll edge alignment system, a vision system for precise detection of grommets 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, seamlessly integrating welding, grommet application and cutting into a single workflow. Built to maximize productivity, it reduces lead times, lowers labor dependency, and delivers a compact footprint on the shop floor.
Probo’s All In One configuration supports four fixed formats: 100 cm, 150 cm, 175 cm and 200 cm. Customers can also choose between hemmed finishing or hemmed finishing with grommets.
“PLASTGROMMET’s communication was clear, structured and highly professional. They made sure everything was right from day one. Comprehensive training was provided for both operators and our technical team.”
Minimizing waste across the entire value chain through smart production techniques is a core principle at Probo.
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 reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest quality standards,”
says Jordy.
In 2024, Probo introduced Het Kompas, its roadmap for innovation and sustainability, launching the development of a fully automated warehouse and dedicating a production space exclusively to Sign Again.
The partnership with PLASTGROMMET has played a key role in advancing Probo’s sustainability strategy, as Jordy explains:
Pictured (left to right): Douwe Pieter van der Galiën and Jordy de Jong of Probo.
Expanding into New Markets with the All In One
“Over the years, I’ve overseen many installations and commissioning processes, and I can confidently say this has been one of the best.”
Our planning team schedules them to a specific printer, and the printed roll is then transferred directly to the All In One system.”
“PLASTGROMMET provides responsive and reliable support, ensuring their technology runs seamlessly on our shop floor. Their proactive communication, fast troubleshooting and expert guidance help us maintain the high standards our print professionals expect.
This trusted partnership strengthens our ability to deliver quality, speed and continuous innovation.”
The Path of Growth
Since the beginning of the partnership, both companies have worked closely to strengthen the synergy between Probo’s print production processes and PLASTGrommet’s equipment. This collaboration has also been showcased at FESPA 2024 in Amsterdam—the same city where Probo and PLASTGrommet first connected in 2021—where Sign Again was prominently featured at the PLASTGrommet booth.
Looking ahead, Probo remains focused on the future, and the partnership with PLASTGrommet is set to continue growing.
“We are 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 continuously evaluate new investments in their technology when it supports our mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our print professionals,”
says Jordy.
“One of the key advantages of working with PLASTGrommet is the ability to use PVC-free plastic grommets in our finishing process.
This is critical for simplifying banner recycling within Sign Again, our circular material. It directly supports our mission to lead the transition toward a circular print industry—reducing waste and delivering more sustainable solutions for the future.
PLASTGrommet’s equipment not only improves efficiency, but also reinforces our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”