Xaar celebrates 35 years of inkjet innovation

Leading global inkjet technology and printhead specialist Xaar, celebrated 35 years of innovation with a special company-wide event, bringing together guests and employees from across the Group.

To mark this milestone anniversary, over 150 team members from Xaar and Megnajet gathered at the company’s Huntingdon site for an afternoon of celebrations.

The event featured a selection of food vendors, games and activities, all organised as a thank you to employees for their contribution to the business’ 35 years of innovation. As a further gesture of appreciation, employees have also been given an extra day of annual leave to enjoy.

Since its founding in 1990, Xaar has been at the forefront of inkjet technology, providing breakthrough advancements in the use of digital print. The company’s origins date back even further to work done at Cambridge Consultants, where Xaar co-founders, Steve Temple and David Paton, began exploring droplet ejection for non-contact printing. 

What began with just four initial patents has evolved into an active portfolio of 150, with more than 2,000 inkjet-related patents filed over the 35 years, highlighting Xaar’s long-standing commitment to innovation.

Today, the company continues to play a key role in pushing the boundaries of sustainable inkjet technology, with a defined strategy for future growth and a focus on expanding into emerging applications such as EV battery coatings, wax moulds for jewellery, 3D printing, and jetting paints onto vehicles. 

John Mills, CEO at Xaar, said: “It was fantastic to bring together our teams from the UK and overseas alongside our guests to celebrate Xaar’s journey.

“From our founding team’s vision 35 years ago to the global business we are today, we’re proud of our printhead technology and innovations which have changed the face of digital printing. 

“Be it the step change in reliability with TF Technology or the opening of new applications with Ultra High Viscosity Technology, the passion, creativity and collaboration of our team has driven our inkjet innovation.   

“We’re all looking forward to the next 35 years as we continue to innovate and expand into new sectors, supporting new and existing customers to harness the power of inkjet.”