Bytes Document Solutions (BDS), the authorised Xerox distributor in 26 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, has announced that Ren-Form CC is the first customer in the Middle East and Africa to buy a Xerox iGen 150 Press. The announcement was made at the Africa Print Expo, which took place from 21-23 August at the Sandton Convention Centre.
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, said Tommy du Sart, CEO of Ren-Form.
The company also showcased the new wide format Xerox IJP 2000 at the Expo, where two of these machines were sold, one to BDS’s authorised Zambian distributor, DIGIprint, the first printer to be sold in Africa, and the second was sold to Eminence Printing in KwaZulu-Natal, the first to be sold in South Africa.
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 said. 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, said Sommer. 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 1600x1600dpi 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.
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, said 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.
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.
