Originally announced at Ipex 2010, the partnership has proven to be the most successful one of its type between a digital and offset manufacturer in Australia, according to Konica Minolta
David Procter, general manager of production printing at Konica Minolta says, “Obviously we are disappointed with the decision as Heidelberg met and exceeded all the targets we set for them throughout the term of the agreement.
“However we understand Heidelberg’s Australian division needed to move in the same direction as the global business, and over the past two year we have developed some strong relationships with some of the larger commercial printers in the country.”
Also commenting, Hiro Kaji, managing director of Konica Minolta says, “The last two years with Heidelberg has allowed us to increase our presence in the commercial printing market place.
“While working to retain this partnership in Australia for as long as possible, we knew that eventually it was likely that it would head in this direction.
Konica Minolta also says printers who had purchased Konica Minolta presses from Heidelberg will continue to receive full support under their existing service agreements. Konica Minolta will also continue to supply Heidelberg’s Polar guillotines throughout Australia.
Meanwhile, Kathy Wilson, general manager of business solutions for Ricoh Australia has confirmed a heads of agreement has been signed by Heidelberg and Ricoh for the reselling of digital products in the Australian market.
She says, “I am very happy with this agreement as it is made up of two successful businesses, which can have only positive outcome for our mutual customers.
“Ricoh has been moving steadily forward in the Australian production market and this new agreement will continue that momentum.”
While assuring the industry there was no bad blood with the ended agreement, Procter adds he will step up the competition for digital market.
He says, “I would have liked to keep the agreement going, but there is no animosity between us. But Heidelberg and Konica Minolta will now be adversaries when it comes to the sale of digital products.”
Andy Vels Jensen, managing director of Heidelberg Australasia was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
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