Herald Graphics’ investment pays off

Print Solutions

Investment in a Ricoh Pro C7100X has opened new markets and opportunities for Reading based Herald Graphics. The new digital press, supplied and maintained by Ricoh reseller Reflex Digital Solutions, has helped the family owned commercial print firm to improve turnaround times, increase capacity and further enhance its customer offer.

After thoroughly researching the market and looking at the latest digital presses on offer from a range of OEMs, the company selected Reflex Digital Solutions to supply and maintain the new high speed, feature rich colour production digital printer.

With its three year old legacy colour kit close to end of life, managing director Peter Rixon decided to do some market research to find out more about new technology and what it could do that would help enhance the business’ profile. After speaking to his staff he compiled a tightly defined set of criteria and approached Reflex, as well as a number of OEMs, inviting them to recommend the best solution for the business.

‘We were very clear on our objectives from the outset,’ said Peter. ‘We wanted a solution that would provide consistency of colour, precise sheet to sheet and front to back registration, deliver maximum uptime, support an extended sheet size and have the ability to print on a wider range of substrates.’

Reflex recommended the Ricoh Pro C7100X which delivers print speeds up to 80 pages per minute, boasts good media handling flexibility – up to 360 g/m2, has more options for inline finishing, a fifth colour station allowing applications with clear gloss or white, and the ability to include spot varnish on a single pass.

With optimum image quality a key criterion for Herald Graphics, Reflex provided printed samples that demonstrated the quality of output and premium finish this device delivers. ‘Reflex’s approach and recommendation were spot on, we looked at a number of alternatives but as a local business, we wanted to work with a local provider. The proposal was on budget and ticked all the boxes. The local service provision, print speed, quality of output and ability to support an extensive range of media, including textured papers, made Reflex and the Pro C7100X the perfect choice,’ explained Peter.

As a small business, boosting a return on investment is key. Herald Graphics has been able to further enhance its digital print services, guarantee exceptional image quality and impact to clients, coupled with a fast turnaround.

‘Without a doubt the investment has helped us win new business. Several existing clients who previously wouldn’t entertain digital have been hugely impressed with the quality and we’ve increased our market share as a result,’ Peter added.