First iGen3 Digital Colour Production Press in Australia installed

Rapid Digital’s commitment combines with local & international expertise for install success.

The first Australian installation of the Xerox iGen3 Digital Colour Production Press has set the tone for the future, with Ron Anderson (pictured) proprietor of Sydney's Rapid Digital (formerly Rapid Reprographics) designing custom built premises for the new print technology – and allowing room for an additional two iGen3 presses.

Rapid Digital has relocated from its Berry Street, North Sydney premises to a new, custom-built 1700 square metres print premises in Artarmon. The scale of the commitment is reflected by the team that owner Ron Anderson involved in the fit-out:

Aside from the Fuji Xerox Australia (FXA) technicians and specialists required for the iGen3 install, Ron drew on a of team of consultants whose expertise spanned structural engineering, acoustics, air conditioning, substrate flooring and interior design.

“Basically we demolished most of the existing space and started again,” said Ron. “We’ve installed 350 square metres of tiled floor for the iGen3; the ceiling was too low so we demolished it and put in a new one; installed air conditioning with humidifiers that the iGen3 is ducted to; put cable trays in the roof and designed special power distribution boards.”


If 350 square metres of tiled floor appear excessive for one iGen3 to stand on, you’d be right. But Ron hasn’t built for just one. The tiled floor space, air conditioning and electrics are in place to accommodate two more – which Ron wants to happen within 12 months.

“I’m arranging with the energy company responsible for an upgrade to the local electricity sub-station – physically there wasn’t enough power going into the premises to run three iGen3s, so that needed to be addressed.”

As a successful business, Rapid has thrived on its no compromise combination of quality and service. Receiving much of its business from other printers and designers, Ron has built Rapid into a large digital volume success. Long run length jobs that smaller printers with less capacity turn down often end up at Rapid’s door.

“We specialise in digital contract work for printers and brokers. The iGen3 has expanded our capacity for production colour. My message to printers is simple: outsource work that can be done digitally and build up your offset run lengths to generate more business revenue in that area.”


Aside from the iGen3 production space, the rest of the new premises is imposing, offering a boardroom, warehouse for paper and a complete second level for offices and spare space that Ron is contemplating turning into a recreation area for the Rapid team to unwind.

“We’re a small team and strive for a comfortable, family-feel. I’m a big believer in a good working environment that is really motivating, so with the space available don’t be surprised if a flat screen TV and pool table appear!”

Shortly after install – and while Rapid’s other print technology was still in the North Sydney office - the new iGen3 was already producing work for Rapid’s customers.

“It has received a great response. The print quality is astounding and our customers are very happy. Our iGen3 operators - David and Adrian – are both extremely impressed and excited by the possibilities. The iGen3 gives the operator lots more control so they are able to make adjustments and get the best out of the technology.”

On-site for the install has been the local iGen3 SmartPress Production Consultant for Fuji Xerox Australia, Christopher Morrison, who is assigned to Rapid for a total of eight weeks: “Aside from the installation support, I’m responsible for mentoring the iGen3 operators and, in the final four weeks will work with them in the area of business development – for example, talking to Rapid’s customers about print opportunities such as personalisation – and helping Rapid build print volume.”

In addition, the FXA iGen3 team has received advice and support from Dawn Api, an iGen3 installation specialist from Xerox Rochester who has overseen over 40 iGen installs across Europe and the United States. She is spending eight weeks in Sydney ensuring the FXA team has access to information and expertise from overseas.

“I’ve never seen a print-room like the one Rapid has created for its iGen3 – and I’ve seen 40 sites! It is extremely professional and as good as what we call ‘showcase quality’ in the United States. The install has gone very well. The engineers from FXA are top notch: very resourceful, organised and easy to work with. The iGen3 is already working well and commercial print jobs are running. Rapid’s customers are very impressed with the print quality, which is the most important part.”