The deal, which represents more than a million dollars of Konica Minolta hardware sales to date under the partnership, sets a precedent in the industry following predictions that a relationship between an offset and digital manufacturer was unlikely to succeed.
David Procter, national marketing manager at Konica Minolta says, “These early results are a good indication that a partnership between digital and offset manufacturers can work very successfully. The offset market is a key area of focus for Konica Minolta moving forward, so it is exciting that our agreement with Heidelberg is already attracting high levels of interest.”
Meanwhile, Andy Vels Jensen, managing director for Heidelberg AN Z says, “Interestingly, the sales have been to a wide range of Heidelberg customers, from A3 to A1 users, and into businesses who wish to be successful by offering their client base more.
“Our expectations from the Konica Minolta relationship have been more than fulfilled and at this time our sales force can’t wait to get their hands on the new fantastic C8000 press which arrives into the Notting Hill showroom in January 2011.”
To cement the joint venture further, Heidelberg has created the new role of a digital business driver to span the digital and offset markets. David Cascarino has been appointed to the role in the Northern Region (NSW, ACT& QLD) and will work exclusively with the Heidelberg sales teams to provide technical advice and client demonstrations of Konica Minolta’s digital presses. An appointment to the role in the Southern Region will be announced shortly.
Andy Vels Jensen continues, “Our digital business drivers are there to integrate Konica Minolta’s digital expertise into the Heidelberg sales process, and have the ability to translate the technological side of the business into clients’ language. David brings with him valuable experience in both the offset and the digital side of the industry, which will marry together the Konica Minolta and Heidelberg offerings.”
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