Press Release
TJ International brings colour to short-run book
production with digital inkjet technology from Canon
London, 10 October 2014 – TJ International, a UK-based printer of hard and soft
cover books, is branching into short-run digital colour production for the first time
with the installation of an Océ ColorStream 3900 inkjet system from Canon at its
facility in Padstow, Cornwall.
The technology will enable the company to meet customer demand for full colour
books in print runs below 200 – something it has previously been unable to offer
economically using existing offset technology. Additionally, TJ International will be
able to mirror the service it already offers in monochrome production, which allows
it manage the full lifecycle of a book from initial high-volume print runs and re-prints
using offset, to short-run and single copy print-on-demand using digital.
“This purchase marks another milestone in our 16 year relationship with Canon since
we embarked on a journey of digital production in the late 90s,” said Angus Clark,
CEO, TJ International. “The ColorStream 3900 is a strategic move into inkjet and
demonstrates that, as a customer-focused business, we have again listened to
what our customers need and are making the appropriate investments to help
them succeed.
“The new system will enhance and complement the capabilities of our existing
technology portfolio. We produce a lot of two-colour books very successfully and
have done so for many years. However, historically if a customer needed to take
the print run below a quantity of 200, we had to turn work away. The new
ColorStream 3900 will not only allow us to say ‘yes’ to this type of work from existing
customers and keep colour titles in print indefinitely, but will also give us a
competitive edge to attract new business that was previously inconceivable,”
added Clark.
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Digital book production currently accounts for 25 per cent of turnover at TJ
International and it is anticipated that, with the new technology in place and the
subsequent doors this will open, this will increase to 50 per cent of total output within
the next three years.
TJ International has been at the forefront of digital book production since its
relationship originally began with Océ in 1998. It was the first UK book printer to
install the Océ DemandStream, Océ VarioPrint 6250 and Océ VarioPrint 6320
technology – allowing it to cost-effectively scale production according to
changing customer and industry demand. The company’s current digital portfolio
comprises an Océ ColorStream 10000 Flex and two Oce VarioPrint cut-sheet
monochrome printers that will sit alongside the ColorStream 3900.
The high speed Océ ColorStream 3900 prints at speeds of up to 127m/min and,
through its unique combination of productivity, efficiency and quality, it simplifies
and accelerates the transition from monochrome to full-colour. The DigiDot
multilevel dot modulation produces crisp details and smooth halftones with a
perceived quality of 1200 dpi at fully rated speed.
“As with any major investment it is always prudent to look at all viable options in the
marketplace and this is no different for us when it comes to digital print technology
– despite our longstanding relationship with Canon. However, having done our
research on other products that could take us into short-run colour work, we still
firmly believe that Canon’s offering is far more advanced than other products
available,” added Clark.
“Moreover, the service and support the company offers is unparalleled. As well as
initial operator training on the new ColorStream 3900, Canon has provided a course
for our sales team covering how to sell short-run colour print – this will prove
invaluable as it is an entirely new realm of business for us. The sales team returned
from training excited about the new discussions they can now have with customers.
“We’ve been in book printing for 40 years and with the support of Canon, helping
us to face new challenges and meet the needs of the industry, I see no reason why
we won’t be just as successful in another 40 years.”
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Craig Nethercott, Commercial Print Group Director, Canon UK, commented:
“Continually finding ways to address the challenges faced by its customers is what
drives TJ International forward as a business. Its success to date is born of shrewd
investment and an inherent understanding of the changing market in which it
operates. We are delighted to be involved in the next part of the company’s
journey into short-run colour print.”
– ENDS –
Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon (UK) Ltd
Paul Bodley
t. +44 (0) 1737 220 343
t. +44 (0) 7581 006 225
e. [email protected]
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About Canon (UK) Limited
Canon (UK) Ltd is the UK & Ireland marketing and sales operation for the global company,
Canon Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan and it employs 2,150 people.
Founded in 1937, with the specific goal of making the best quality cameras available to
customers, Canon’s tireless passion for the Power of Image has since extended its
technology into many other markets and has established it as a world leader in both
consumer and business imaging solutions. Its solutions comprise products ranging from
digital compact and SLR cameras, through broadcast lenses and portable X-ray machines,
to multi-function and production printers, all supported by a range of value added services.
Canon invests heavily in R&D to deliver the richest and most innovative products and
services to satisfy customers’ creative needs. From amateur photographers to professional
print companies, Canon enables each customer to realise their own passion for image.
Canon believes that considering the interests of society and the environment is an integral
part of good business practice and this is embodied in its corporate philosophy Kyosei ‘living and working together for the common good’.
For further information about Canon UK please visit
http://www.canon.co.uk/
For further information about Canon Ireland please visit
http://www.canon.ie/
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