Collingwood Print Group has said the need for speed was behind its decision to replace a four-colour offset machine with a Xerox iGen4 digital press.
Director Michael Lindley told ProPrint that the iGen4 (pictured) replaced a Heidelberg SM-52 offset press and a Xerox 8000, with the aim of boosting the company's short-run offering.
"We were seeing an increase in need for quick turnaround times and quality," Lindley said. "There are fewer people happy to wait for an offset job nowadays."
"These also have better and more reliable quality, from first to last page."
The iGen4 centralises production, feeding Kwik Kopy Fitzroy and St Kilda Rd from a single production hub in Collingwood.
Lindley also said the machine would help win burgeoning photobook work. Collingwood Print is a preferred supplier to photobooksRus.com.au.
Fuji Xerox has installed 41 iGen4s across Australia since the machine launched in January, with QDi Direct Press in West Perth recently firing up its new iGen4.
The vendor said October was one of its most successful months ever, with 41 orders placed for high-end production printing kit.
"There is no doubt that business confidence is improving and many organisations are ready to invest in print-related communication initiatives," said Simon Lane, national manager of Fuji Xerox's production services business.
"This can clearly be seen through the renewed investments in digital printing solutions and services by print services providers, not only in Australia, but globally."
Original Post