Guiding Europe’s roads: The UV technology powering Buko Infra Support’s next chapter

Across Europe, the daily rhythm of road travel hides a stark reality. In 2024 alone, nearly 20,000 people lost their lives on EU roads, with countless more injured – a reminder that every road sign, every warning, and every piece of traffic guidance plays a critical role in keeping people safe. For the companies responsible for producing this infrastructure, clarity, durability, and speed are more than operational goals; they are matters of public safety.

This is the landscape in which Buko Infra Support operates. Active across the Netherlands, UK, Germany, and Sweden, the company sits at the front line of traffic management – ensuring that construction zones, diversions, and high-speed routes remain safe and navigable.

As demand surged and projects became more complex, Buko recognised a familiar challenge: traditional solvent-based workflows and ageing equipment could no longer keep pace with the speed and precision required for modern infrastructure. The turning point came with the adoption of Roland DG UV-LED printing technology, which opened the door to a faster, more flexible, and more resilient way of producing critical traffic signage.

From traditional workflows to digital innovation

For years, Buko relied on solvent systems and cutting printers – a dependable but increasingly restrictive workflow. As expansion accelerated, those systems struggled to keep pace with demand and rising maintenance costs.

“Traffic signage is a critical part of infrastructure,” explains Matthijs Beelen, Projectlead IT at Buko Infrasupport. “We needed a solution that could match our growth ambitions, increase efficiency, and maintain the durability our customers expect.”

The answer came in the form of Roland DG’s TrueVIS LG-540 UV printer/cutter, which introduced a new level of flexibility and throughput to Buko’s operations. The LG-540 prints directly onto a wide range of substrates – from aluminium composite panels to reflective films – delivering razor-sharp detail up to 1,440 dpi and long-lasting, weather-resistant graphics without the need for lamination.

Using EUV5 inks, the printer combines CMYK, White, and Gloss options, enabling the creation of highly legible reflective surfaces and textured or embossed effects that meet stringent road-signage visibility standards. Faster UV curing and a larger colour gamut have reduced production time whilst enhancing consistency across large-format panels.

“The LG-540 has transformed our workflow,” says Matthijs. “We can print directly onto reflective media with perfect opacity and durability, saving both time and material.”

Following the success of the LG-540, Buko is now preparing to upgrade to the larger LG-640, expanding its print width to 1.6 metres to accommodate bigger traffic signs and boost throughput for major infrastructure projects.

Software and support that drive performance

Complementing the hardware, Buko has implemented Roland DG Connect, the cloud-based performance platform that enables real-time monitoring, cost analysis, and preventive maintenance.

The company has recently extended its use of the platform with Business Insight and Remote Monitoring modules. These provide live data on device utilisation, ink consumption, and job history – empowering the team to make informed decisions on workflow scheduling and cost optimisation.

By analysing print data and switching certain projects to draft mode, Buko has reduced ink consumption without compromising legibility or quality. Operators can also pre-warm printers remotely before arriving on-site, cutting unproductive setup time from their daily routine.

“The ability to see live printer performance data is a game-changer,” Matthijs notes. “It helps us plan proactively, prevent downtime, and stay in control of operating costs.”

Service and support that scale with ambition

Roland DG’s support network has been instrumental in Buko’s success. From the initial installation and on-site training to ongoing technical assistance, the company cites responsive communication, reliable parts supply, and expert maintenance guidance as key enablers of operational continuity.

“Having a partner that understands both the software and the hardware side has been essential,” says Matthijs. “Roland DG’s service team responds quickly and keeps our production running at full capacity.”

Building for the future

With its UV printing capability now established, Buko is looking ahead to further European expansion and the continued digitalisation of its workflow. 

Following the success of the LG-540, Buko is now preparing to upgrade to the larger LG-640, expanding its print width to 1.6 metres to accommodate bigger traffic signs and boost throughput for major infrastructure projects. This will increase Buko’s ecosystem to 17 Roland DG printers. 

“Roland DG has given us the tools to scale confidently,” Matthijs concludes. “The combination of advanced hardware, intelligent software, and dependable support means we can deliver the quality and speed our customers expect – and do so more sustainably.”

As Buko Infra Support continues to innovate, Roland DG remains a trusted technology partner – driving the next generation of intelligent, efficient, and resilient traffic signage production.