A new production press and a new role for the industry veteran sets the scene for the graphic’s supplier fresh start in 2018.
Following a tough few years, Fuji Xerox is moving to reassert its dominance in the digital printing sector with an upmarket production press, the Iridesse. The six-colour engine utilising two metallics, gold and silver, was launched last month in Bangkok. The first installation is due in Australia before Christmas.
A showroom model is currently attracting a lot of attention from Fuji Xerox customers at the company’s new Australian headquarters and show room in North Ryde. The Iridesse is slated to fit into the product portfolio between the best selling C1000i model and the iGen5 at top of the production range.
According to Green who took up his role as executive general manager sales, six weeks ago, the response from customers is very encouraging. “You can see them tuning out during the demo as they begin imagining the new markets they could service. So far we’ve show it to about forty people and the response is very positive,” he said.
A notable feature of the press is its ability to switch the metallic, gold and silver, from first to last, i.e. on the top or bottom of the cmyk print. Due to the development of a totally new ink set, this ensures a very realistic metallic effect.
According to Steve Ford, GM sales and marketing Asia Pacific, the press surprises printers with its ability to create the metallic effects. “They don’t know what can be done until they see it in operation,” he said.
The Iridesse is targeted at new digital applications, including packaging, with designers able to specify up 60 different metallic. Green sees it as a fresh start for Fuji Xerox. As a new member of the team he’s determined to put the company’s fairly troubled past behind it and he’s “looking forward to the New Year with the Iridesse.”
Expect a celebratory launch of the press in the local market next year.