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Kinko's Commits To PrimeSource As Supplier Of Xeikon
Color Print-On-Demand Systems
NEW YORK -- February 23, 2000 -- PrimeSource announced today that digital
printing systems anchored by Xeikon digital color presses have been installed
in Kinko's Corporate Printing and Finishing Centers (CPFC) in Dallas,
New York, and Boston. The systems, implemented by the PrimeSource Digital
Print Group in cooperation with Xeikon America, Inc., provide Kinko's
much broader digital color printing capabilities that are price competitive
to traditional offset printing alternatives.
With this purchase, Kinko's becomes the largest single customer of Xeikon presses in the world, with plans underway for the installation of 12 additional systems this year. Ultimately, the Xeikon systems will be installed at virtually all of Kinko's CPFCs -- closed-door printing facilities that provide production support for Kinko's storefronts.
With Xeikon presses, Kinko's corporate print-on-demand capabilities are greatly enhanced. The systems' high quality printing, which rivals offset, is ideal for applications such as short-run color posters, brochures, newsletters and books with fast turn-around times.
According to Scott Seay, Kinko's chief of field operations, the program is consistent with Kinko's goal of providing value-added document solutions through convenient access to technology: "The Xeikon presses are a key component of our strategy to secure a significantly larger share of the corporate on-demand printing market. Our 700-member sales force will actively market the new applications made possible by these systems to corporate customers."
Full system with enhanced front-end capabilities...
The systems include a Xeikon DCP/50D eXpert Plus Solution, chosen for
its productivity and flexibility -- its ability to effectively handle
a wide range of substrates and to effectively process variable data. The
Xeikon eXpert Plus Digital Front End (DFE) was considered the most critical
piece, because it offers Kinko's the most complete features list _ such
as a wide range of screens, color control tools and state-of-the-art software
RIPs -- with the option to enhance the system in the future.
Other software, such as eCommerce connectivity and layering, will be included on an as-needed basis by PrimeSource Digital Print Group, the developer of these add-on pieces.
Xeikon and PrimeSource are well positioned to provide an entire application driven solution to best handle Kinko's short-term requirements, with flexibility for the future. This custom-designed system not only included the press and front-end software, but the media and finishing as well. Training has also played an integral part of the program. Xeikon America takes responsibility for operator and service training, while PrimeSource provides advanced workflow and sales training.
"Our sales and service staff prides itself in understanding our
customers' on-demand printing requirements. This allowed us to design
a system empowering Kinko's to build an immediate base of business while
planning for variable printing capabilities in the not so distant future,"
noted John Goddard, PrimeSource executive vice president. "We know
that the exceptional print quality of Xeikon presses will open up new
print production opportunities for Kinko's, and the outstanding DFE capabilities
played a significant role in the selection of the Xeikon system. The installations
have been successful, and our organization looks forward to implementing
more advanced printing and eCommerce workflows."
CONTACT: Michael Silverman, PrimeSource Digital Print Group, V: 856/488-7206,
silverman_m@primesource.com;
Laura McCormick, Kinko's, Inc., V: 805/652-4129,
Lauram@kinkos.com; Irvin Press,
Principal Press&, V: 508/384-0608, irv@kersur.net.