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Print.IT Reseller
production print
12
Just six months into his new role,
Riso UK Managing Director Tatsuo
Murakami has put a clear plan in
place and created a new senior
management structure designed to
support the firm’s growth strategy.
Riso intends to increase unit sales by
34% this fiscal year and, with a third of
its UK and Ireland revenue resting within
the channel, the firm was clear in its
commitment to support its partners to help
deliver this growth.
David Meldrum UK National Dealer
and Export Manager outlined a channel
strategy that includes higher levels of
in-field support (pre-and post-sale)
across technical, product training,
solutions selling, marketing and mobile
demonstrations.
The firm has 32 dealer partners with
46 offices nationwide and Murakami
explained that there are no immediate
plans to expand that. “If there is a gap
geographically, then we will look to fill
that,” he said.
He added: “The past year has seen a
decline in volume within the channel and
our strategy is very much to change this.
As a company we want to grow quickly
and gain new customers worldwide. Within
the UK and Ireland we have a network of
really good dealers and the opportunity
for growth is there. We’ve increased our
headcount in all divisions and we’re
committed to working in partnership to
drive new business for us all.”
Significant opportunity
The new ComColor X1 Series
includes three models: the A3
7150 and 9150 with print speeds of
120 and 150 ppm respectively and the
A4 3110, a 90 ppm model that will be
available in the autumn.
Riso says the new range, powered by a
newly developed ink that delivers greater
colour density and reduced show-through
and fade-back on certain stocks, presents
Powering new opportunities
a significant opportunity for its channel
partners who are looking to increase
profits while providing significant savings
to their customers.
Meldrum said: “With this product we
believe you can differentiate your business
from other dealers and MFP direct sales.”
The ComColor X1 Series promises
greater productivity. Stand-out features
include a faster scanner (50 A4ppm);
reduced first copy out and dwell time
between jobs; an industry leading 1.5p
per full colour copy; an ultra-low total cost
of ownership; and eco-features, including
a power saving sleep mode of 5W or less
and a power on/off schedule.
New functions include the ability
to print from USB; barcode area
definition software; enhanced print
drivers; improved paper handling
capacity including card and
envelope printing; quieter operation;
and later this year, the ability to
embed Papercut software into the
control panel.
Accessorise
Riso has also expanded
its range of accessories
and during the launch
event unveiled a scanner
that’s 20% faster than its predecessor
and a multifunctional finisher with a
delivery speed of 120 ppm. Also new are
a face down offset stapler, 4,000 sheet
capacity feeder and high capacity stacker,
all of which deliver at the host printer
speed; and a new IPDS controller enabling
organisations to print in native IPDS thus
negating the requirement to convert data.
Powerful new production
configurations that also include a perfect
binder, capable of producing 60 books per
hour, and a wrapping envelope finisher are
designed to support expansion into new
markets.
Murakami said that 90% of Riso
machines are currently sold into education.
“With the ComColor X1 Series, Riso
is targeting new segments including
pharmaceutical, training companies,
manufacturing, logistics and financial
institutions.”
www.riso.co.uk
Despite being one of the print industry’s worst kept secrets, when Riso UK
officially unveiled its new ComColor X1 series to channel partners during a
two-day event at the end of June, there was still an element of surprise.