Ricoh Australia has appointed Paul Thompson as business development manager for its new visual display and direct-to-garment solutions, which are expected to be available in Australia from June.
The range includes the Ri 3000 and Ri 6000, announced last May, as well as the entry-level Ri 100. According to Thompson, display and DTG represent a growing market for Ricoh. "In a not dissimilar fashion to traditional commercial print, customers are looking for short runs and personalisation, as well as speed to market. With entry level DTG products such as the Ri 100, and features such as small footprint, ease of use and price point, digital print providers have the opportunity to add another string to their bow, running in-house direct to garment printing as a value-add or a new service," he said.
The machines will be exhibited at FESPA in Berlin from May 15-19, and will be available in Australia from next month. "The Australian launch date for DTG is the first of June, and we have systems already installed in Australia," said Thompson.
Simon Lane, managing director of Ricoh Australia, welcomed Thompson to the role, praising him as highly regarded in the Australian market. “Paul has held senior sales management roles at both Oce and Canon, selling both wide format and cut sheet product ranges to clients in all market sectors.
“For the past four years, Paul has worked with Ricoh in Europe, driving new channel development and has very close relationships with the European DTG and visual display market leaders. He has decided to return home to Australia and I am delighted he has chosen to stay with the Ricoh family,” said Lane.