When downtime became a major frustration for award-winning dairy producer, Tims Dairy, they turned to their trusted coding and marking partner Rotech for a solution. What they got was a game changer – the LEIBINGER IQ Jet, an innovative continuous inkjet printer designed for reliability. With reduced production delays and a system built to last, Tims had to question everything they previously knew about CIJ printers.
Tims Dairy IQJET success: Proof that strong partnerships directly impact reliable production.
3 mins
Proof that strong partnerships directly impact reliable production
The 75-year story behind Tims delicious Greek Yogurts
Like many UK success stories, Tims Dairy began as a humble family business. Founded in 1949 in a basement workroom in Warren Street, it has since grown into a thriving dairy based in the picturesque Chiltern Hills.
Now run by the four Timotheou brothers, and Managing Director, Tony Hinds, the family’s passion for their Cypriot heritage lives on in their award-winning Greek-style yogurts, Kefirs, and cultured creams. Don’t be fooled by the indulgent yogurt, its benefits go far beyond flavour. Made with fresh British milk and natural ingredients, they’re packed with protein, calcium, and gut-boosting goodness.
Tims products are popular across retail, food service, hospitality and the health sector, but everyday shoppers can discover their favourite flavours in all major supermarkets and online!
All too familiar with CIJ
With over 15 years of CIJ experience, Tims Dairy knew the technology’s shortfalls and benefits. Their existing printers were suited to the fast paced,
high throughput dairy environment, and withstood frequent wash downs.
But there was a heavy price to pay for this:
Unplanned downtime – breakdowns halted production for hours, if not days. With perishable goods waiting to go out the door, desperate measures were sometimes taken, with people coding yogurts by hand.
Planned downtime – Regular nozzle cleaning, maintenance and drawn out start up and shut down routines. They were unavoidable and necessary tasks to keep the printers running.
Trying TIJ for size
In 2021, Rotech introduced Tony, Tims Operations Manager, to cartridge-based thermal inkjet printing. An alternative that required zero maintenance. Tony praised the TIJ coders for their ease of use, fast parameter changes and simple relocation between lines. Although the printers had been beneficial to Tims, they struggled in the harsh conditions caused by wash downs. It was not a sustainable solution for Tims moving forward.
Determined to find the right technology for Tims’ packaging environment, Tony continued working closely with Rotech.
Printing in the harsh environments that our manufacturing facility operates in, it has been nothing short of a challenge. As what you expect from a partner, Rotech have never shied away from any situation. Always being on hand to assist, discuss and most importantly, listen to the issues we were facing. Between us, working through and improving along the way, both businesses gained valuable knowledge in dealing with such challenges. – Tony Timotheou
Perfect timing - the introduction of the IQ JET
When Rotech partnered with LEIBINGER in early 2025 and added the IQ Jet printer into their product portfolio, the stars aligned. A CIJ printer, that mirrored the maintenance-free, reliability of thermal inkjet. Tims Dairy were eager to trial the IQ Jet on one of their packaging lines. The printer was up and running within an hour and has performed reliably ever since. Having worked extensively with CIJ printers in the past, Tony immediately recognised the difference. Reflecting on the experience, he shares:
“Our recent venture takes us to the latest in CIJ, LEIBINGER IQ Jet. Having had many years of experience with CIJ printers I am privy to their flaws and their benefits. I truly believe the IQ Jet is cutting edge and a step ahead of their competitors.”
Key to success - the IQ JET advantage
Minimal Downtime
- Nozzle Seal Technology: a unique feature that prevents ink from drying out, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance routines.
- Automatic Standby Mode: the printer powers down when idle, reducing unnecessary runtime and improving efficiency.
Self-Sufficient Operation
- Efficient solvent and ink usage: completely drains the cartridges and repurposes evaporated solvent.
- Touch screen and smart operating system: requires minimal intervention, clearly shows the printer’s status.
- On-screen picture and video tutorials: if adjustments are needed, it guides users through the process.
Built to Last
- IP66-rated: for protection in demanding environments.
- 85% vertically manufactured: with strict quality assurance, ensuring exceptional reliability.
- 20,000 hours no servicing: no need for regular servicing or heavy maintenance. Any adjustments to the machine can be done by operators.
For Tim’s Dairy, this combination of features has delivered a reliable, low-maintenance solution that keeps production running smoothly.
The partnership that delivered results
The ongoing partnership and commitment to continuous improvement guaranteed that Tims found the right system for their production line. Tony acknowledges the crucial role Rotech has played in this success, stating:
“Rotech and everyone who is part of their growing team, give us the support and confidence to make sure this venture was a success.”
The result. A printer that runs reliably without intervention or breakdown. Moving forward, the IQ Jet is being rolled out across their entire facility, a testament to the impressive system.
Challenge what you know about CIJ
If, like Tims you require the resilience of CIJ technology but are frustrated by the downtime and unreliability, get in touch to try IQJET. It’s CIJ reimagined.
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