Bytes Document Solutions (BDS), the authorised Xerox distributor in 26 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, showcased the new wide format Xerox IJP 2000 at the Africa Print Expo, held from 21 to 23 August, 2013 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, and also announced three major new customer deals.
In addition, Bytes Document Solutions won first prize for best stand at Africa Print.
“The award was presented for the most flair and innovation in exhibiting and demonstrating products and services, and for showing a strong, stylish and confident visual presence that highlights an accomplished and distinguished brand,” says Johan Basson, CEO of Bytes Document Solutions.
“It was a great honour to win this award. We also took the opportunity to announce several customer wins and new product launches. Overall, the Expo was a great success for BDS.”
Speaking at the launch of the IJP 2000 Franz Sommer, wide format manager for Xerox Middle East and Africa, said the press had already made a big impression on the market after being showcased at print shows FESPA in London, Gulf Print in Dubai and at TechnoPrint in Cairo.
“Business is getting faster and so are its demands” he says. “Worldwide the retail value of wide format printing is increasing at a rapid rate, particularly in the corporate, retail, transport and events sectors. The IJP 2000 was developed to meet the growing demand for items such as large indoor posters, signs, point-of-purchase graphics and banners.”
According to InfoTrends research, 60% of customers want a turnaround time of two days or less. In addition, the needs of the market include increased customisation, the ability to order moderate quantities, and to place recurring orders.
“The IJP 2000 gives printers the extra speed needed to produce more jobs faster,” Sommer adds.
“The incredible speed of the IJP 2000 allows print shops to produce more wide format jobs in a very short space of time. It can print an A0 page in full colour with a resolution of 1 600 x 1 600dpi in just seven seconds.
“It can also print nine-metre banners in one minute, plus runs of 200 prints in around 20 minutes. It’s currently the most productive indoor printer on the market and offers a low total cost of ownership compared to competitive inkjet printers.”
BDS’s authorised Zambian distributor, Digiprint’s purchase of the IJP 2000 was announced at the Expo.
“Every aspect of the machine’s design is geared toward keeping printers productive and profitable,” says Paul Haglich, marketing manager for production systems at Bytes Document Solutions.
“By taking advantage of the capabilities of this machine, Digiprint will be able to realize greater opportunity in wide format runs and easily fit them into its production schedule, enabling greater profitability.”
The first South African firm commitment for an order came from a KZN-based printing company who plans to expand and enhance their wide format printing services through the acquisition of the advanced IJP2000.
Also announced at the Expo was the purchase of a Xerox Colour 1000 digital press and a Xerox D95 high-speed copier/printer by marketing consultancy Nyalu Communications.
“We offer a complete print production service for our clients and the acquisition of the new press will enhance our ability to create professional, high-quality printed material such as brochures, sales support materials and annual reports quickly.
“With the Xerox 1000, colour-critical jobs can be completed faster, while maintaining consistent, accurate image quality. It also comes with a set of colour management tools that automate time-consuming tasks. Both the Xerox 1000 and the D95 will enable us to fulfil our ambitious business growth strategy.”
Digital print company Ren-Form, which produces magazines, catalogues, continuous forms, web printing, scratch cards, digital print on demand and variable data security printing, bought the first Xerox iGen 150 in Africa and the Middle East.
“Ren-Form has pioneered digital printing in South Africa, so it makes business sense for us to buy the iGen 150 because of the remarkable quality, speed and capabilities it will bring to our business,” says Tommy du Sart, CEO of Ren-Form.