The T-Shirt Mill installs multiple ROQ DTF Solutions

Brisbane custom apparel printer The T-shirt Mill has started 2026 with a strategic investment in automation, installing a ROQ IMPRESS automatic DTF heat transfer press, ROQ FEED automatic DTF transfer loading device, and ROQ PEEL automatic DTF transfer removal machine to eliminate manual processes and drive competitive pricing across its product range.

The company says the installation strengthens its position as one of Australia's most comprehensively equipped garment decorators, enabling the business to maintain competitive pricing while scaling production to meet growing demand.

"DTF has been brilliant for our business, but the manual pressing stage was always the constraint," said Susan McAskill, director at The T-shirt Mill. "You're placing transfers by hand, trying to get alignment perfect, then manually removing the film after pressing. It's slow, it requires several operators, and mistakes can be costly."

The ROQ IMPRESS, ROQ FEED and ROQ PEEL have changed the process. The system's laser-guided placement ensures DTF transfers land precisely where they should, while automated film removal eliminates another manual touchpoint. The result is higher throughput with fewer operators required.

"With the new ROQ solutions, we're producing significantly more garments per hour with less labour input," McAskill added. "That means we can take on more jobs, turn work around faster, and most importantly, price more competitively. We've already started repricing our DTF products because the cost savings from automation make it viable to be more aggressive in the market."

The ROQ IMPRESS, ROQ FEED and ROQ PEEL form part of ROQ's automated DTF workflow solutions. With laser-guided positioning and automated film removal, the system delivers consistent accuracy and can produce up to 500 garments per hour.

"We're seeing 2026 shape up as a pivotal year for automation adoption across the Australian print industry," said Greg Stone, managing director of GJS, the exclusive supplier of ROQ in Australia. "Businesses that have been watching from the sidelines are recognising that automation isn't a luxury or a future consideration, it's a business necessity, and the competitive advantage it delivers is immediate." Stone noted that ROQ's presence in the Australian market has grown substantially since GJS became the brand's exclusive distributor in late 2023, with installations now spanning multiple states and applications beyond DTF.

"ROQ has moved from being a relative newcomer to becoming a recognised name across screen printing, DTF, and automated finishing," Stone added. "When established operations like The T-shirt Mill invest in ROQ technology, it sends a clear signal about where the industry is heading. Automation is becoming a non-negotiable for businesses that want to compete on price, speed, and consistency."