The supplier recently advertised for a product business manager to work on the launch plans for its new large-format printer series, the Pro L4000. Ricoh is also taking on additional CRD (central reprographic department) print sales specialists and a commercial print sales specialist. The L4000 was shown as a prototype at Drupa last year. The five-colour CMYK+W piezo-electric inkjet device uses latex ink and currently comes in two widths: 1,371mm or 1,620mm. At the North Print & Pack exhibition in May Ricoh demonstrated its MP CW2200SP multi-function inkjet printer, which produces monochrome and colour output and is suitable for CAD and some graphics applications. It uses Ricoh’s LiquidGel print technology and produces a full-colour A1 print in just under a minute, or three monochrome A1 prints per minute. Strategic marketing manager Gareth Parker said: “Wide-format sits squarely within the production print realm of the business, and we recognise we need to bring in some specialist expertise. “We’re demonstrating our commitment to wide-format through recruitment and are extending the team accordingly,” he added. The firm is currently in a pilot phase with the L4000 models, with full product roll-out expected in Q1 2014....

The supplier recently advertised for a product business manager to work on the launch plans for its new large-format printer series, the Pro L4000. Ricoh is also taking on additional CRD (central reprographic department) print sales specialists and a commercial print sales specialist. The L4000 was shown as a prototype at Drupa last year. The five-colour CMYK+W piezo-electric inkjet device uses latex ink and currently comes in two widths: 1,371mm or 1,620mm. At the North Print & Pack exhibition in May Ricoh demonstrated its MP CW2200SP multi-function inkjet printer, which produces monochrome and colour output and is suitable for CAD and some graphics applications. It uses Ricoh’s LiquidGel print technology and produces a full-colour A1 print in just under a minute, or three monochrome A1 prints per minute. Strategic marketing manager Gareth Parker said: “Wide-format sits squarely within the production print realm of the business, and we recognise we need to bring in some specialist expertise. “We’re demonstrating our commitment to wide-format through recruitment and are extending the team accordingly,” he added. The firm is currently in a pilot phase with the L4000 models, with full product roll-out expected in Q1 2014....

The Polar 115N Pro machines from Heidelberg have been installed for banknote cutting at De La Rue’s Gateshead factory, replacing four Schneider Senator machines. A De La Rue spokesman said: “We were impressed the Polar guillotines could be networked to speed set up and make the transfer of work between machines very easy.” Heidelberg UK marketing director Mark Hogan said a standard Polar guillotine cost around £50,000, but specialst devices for banknotes, which need high precision and accuracy, cost around £100,000. “Metal strips in notes make them wavy and uneven, so accuracy of clamping is important,” he explained. “It also reduces waste – there was a lot of waste in cutting of banknotes before this machine.” Hogan added that the devices’ 115cm width married up with the largest sheet sizes from De La Rue’s presses. A twin clamp option with swivel back-gauge enables micro-adjustments for different stock heights, while more constant clamping reduces manual intervention and improves quality, according to the manufacturer. Other features include Optiknife technology for quick and safe changeover, as well as touchscreen programming, which Hogan said was popular with operators. De La Rue has designed or produced more than 150 national currencies and also creates security documents including passports, driving licences and tax stamps....

The Polar 115N Pro machines from Heidelberg have been installed for banknote cutting at De La Rue’s Gateshead factory, replacing four Schneider Senator machines. A De La Rue spokesman said: “We were impressed the Polar guillotines could be networked to speed set up and make the transfer of work between machines very easy.” Heidelberg UK marketing director Mark Hogan said a standard Polar guillotine cost around £50,000, but specialst devices for banknotes, which need high precision and accuracy, cost around £100,000. “Metal strips in notes make them wavy and uneven, so accuracy of clamping is important,” he explained. “It also reduces waste – there was a lot of waste in cutting of banknotes before this machine.” Hogan added that the devices’ 115cm width married up with the largest sheet sizes from De La Rue’s presses. A twin clamp option with swivel back-gauge enables micro-adjustments for different stock heights, while more constant clamping reduces manual intervention and improves quality, according to the manufacturer. Other features include Optiknife technology for quick and safe changeover, as well as touchscreen programming, which Hogan said was popular with operators. De La Rue has designed or produced more than 150 national currencies and also creates security documents including passports, driving licences and tax stamps....

Family-run CSG first moved into print recycling in 2008 when it bought Dorset-based J&G Environmental, now the UK’s biggest print waste handling firm. Following this latest acquisition, which was completed in July, former Saxon owners Mick Adams and Richard Stimson have joined CSG for a six-month handover period, while J&G managing director John Haines will head up the £2m-turnover company. The business will continue to trade under the same name and will operate from its existing Whittlesford premises, with its twelve staff joining CSG. J&G, which employs 49 staff, turns over around £20m per year and collects all non-paper based waste from more than 2,000 print businesses around the UK. Haines said the acquisition of Saxon would help the group expand its reach. He added: “Saxon will be a huge asset to J&G. It helps us to expand across a wider geographical area. Saxon have a strong presence across the South East. There are three main players, us being one and acquiring one of the others will help consolidate the market. We felt this move really made sense.” Haines said that with the move from litho to digital there had been a huge reduction in chemical waste, so the company has had to diversify. “There was an obvious drop in waste as people have begun to move away from litho, but under the umbrella of CSG we have been able to open up our markets to more hazardous waste collection from non-print customers.” CSG managing director Neil Richards said: “Waste creation is one of the printing industry’s top three environmental impacts and our acquisition of Saxon comes at a time when the industry is enthusiastically embracing more sustainable waste management. “Like us, Saxon has long supported the goal of routine recycling and re-use of print waste which makes them ideal partners for us. Between them, the two companies can provide the most comprehensive waste management service yet available to the printing industry.” He added: “Despite a testing trading environment, our strategy is to continue to grow the business. This latest acquisition is a further step in the group’s expansion plans and we look forward to announcing more business developments in the...