Sales of Canons revolutionary imagePRESS C1 exceed 500 in just eight weeks

Applications include short-run, on-demand production, proofing and variable data jobs
 
Canon UK, world leader in digital imaging technology, has announced that sales of its next-generation digital colour printing and proofing engine, the imagePRESS C1, have met early expectations with more than 500 orders since customer deliveries began in mid-November last year. The imagePRESS C1, which has exceptional image quality and can deliver 14ppm at a true 1,200dpi, has to date been bought by a range of companies across Europe, including ones in the principal markets of the UK, France, Germany and Italy. Orders in the UK during the period have exceeded the 70 mark.

The imagePRESS C1s robust engine, outstanding image quality and imagePRESS Server Q1, which was co-developed with EFI, enables companies to employ it for a spectrum of uses. It is currently being used as a high-quality proofer, for short-run and on-demand production, as well as variable data work across a variety of sectors including creative services, internal reprographics departments, copyshops and commercial printers.

Customers in the pay-for-print, quick print and commercial printing sectors have bought the imagePRESS C1 to expand their product ranges with the introduction of print-on-demand or variable data services, while simultaneously reducing their proofing processes and costs. Whereas internal reprographics departments regard the imagePRESS C1 as a way to bring low-volume, high-quality work in-house rather than sending these types of jobs to offset printers.  

Ben Milford, Head of Professional, Canon Business Solutions, said: Sales of the imagePRESS C1 have met our initial targets - 500 in eight weeks - and demand continues to build throughout Europe and the UK. The imagePRESS brand, which underlines our commitment to the professional printing sector, has already become synonymous with a level of excellence and versatility not previously seen on this type of device. The imagePRESS C1 enables customers to differentiate themselves by selling value-added, colour critical services, and sets a new benchmark for image quality and consistency in its class.

Many customers regard the imagePRESS C1 as the perfect route to the larger imagePRESS C7000VP, which is aimed at the high-volume, high-quality arena. The imagePRESS C1 incorporates many features of the imagePRESS C7000VP, such as twin red laser imaging, Canons new V-Toner, T-Developer and E-Drum technology in conjunction with an oil-less fusing system, to deliver print with the look and feel of offset. The fact that the imagePRESS C1 can be used in such a wide variety of roles provides companies with a cost effective path to move into new markets, added Milford.  

The imagePRESS C1s Server Q1 has a raft of features for the demanding graphic arts environment including a dedicated colour management solution, exclusive to Canon, from X-Rite. Canons relationship with X-Rite represents its commitment to working with best-in-class partners to deliver powerful solutions to the graphic arts market. In March this year Canon plans to extend the imagePRESS C1s controller line up with the availability of an entry-level EFI RIP, which offers advanced functionality.
 

About Canon (UK) Limited

Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for the home and office environments.
               
Canon has a global philosophy of Kyosei - living and working together for the common good, which clearly demonstrates commitment to customers, staff and the environment shared by all.

Canon (UK) Ltd is the UK marketing and sales operation for the US$32 billion global company based in Tokyo, Japan.  In the UK Canon employs around 2,000 people in various locations including Ireland and has achieved sales of 541m in 2005.

The main business focus for Canon (UK) Ltd is in two clearly defined market segments: Business Solutions covering both the office and professional printing environments (including: multifunctional printers, IT consultation, photocopiers, printers, large format printers, fax machines, document management hardware & software) and Consumer Imaging (input solutions: film and digital cameras, camcorders, binoculars and scanners; and output solutions: Ink Jet printers, fax machines, desktop multifunctionals and multimedia LCD projectors).