BJ Ball has just signed a deal partnering the paper merchant's Icon digital range with Memjet Office's C6000 series in Australia. The deal nominates BJ Ball preferred provider for the Memjet office range, with an eye on a long-term partnership tipped to extend to Memjet's production equipment in future.
The move continues BJ Ball's firm policy of diversification to better situate the business in the changed printing-communications space. According to Rob Brussolo, Icon Digital Media division manager, BJ Ball, the partnership recognises the increased significance of inkjet production in the industry.
"Icon Digital Media is abreast of market trends and we support Memjet's role in leading the transition from traditional, toner-based printing solutions to page-wide ink-based device," said Brussolo.
Speaking with Print21, Tony Bertrand, marketing and business development manager, BJ Ball, says that the partnership will also deliver significant cost savings to printers, and allow users to bring the highest quality, edge-to-edge printing in-house and on-demand. While initially focused on the office market, Bertrand is clear that when it comes to Memjet and transformative inkjet BJ Ball is in it for the haul.
"Our intention is to have a long-term relationship with Memjet. This is definitely step one of a long-term partnership, and now we're just looking at the next steps and working out what they are going to be.
"The inkjet market is going to grow and grow. It's the space that everyone's moving into, so we have been proactive with testing our Icon stocks thoroughly with the Memjet range. It makes sense, it works, it's a great partnership with a great technology company," said Bertrand.
The C6000 range target businesses seeking productive and affordable in-house colour printing, utilising Memjet continuous inkjet waterfall technology. The devices are distributed locally by a number of resellers, including Neopost Australia.
Kim Beswick, president, Memjet Office, fully backs the partnership saying, "The Australian market is the home of Memjet technology and we are delighted to increase our presence here with the support of Icon Digital Media. We're excited to be working with Australian resellers to expand colour office solutions by providing them with differentiated and profitable solutions for their customer accounts."