Konica Minolta launched its newest digital production printer against the backdrop of Luna Park and Sydney Harbour while positioning itself as the manufacturer that cares.

More than 200 people showed up to the launch party for the bizhub Press C1100 last Thursday to see the high output machines in action and enjoy food, wine and company in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge.

Instead of a gaudy, ostentatious production like many launch events, the company donated $14,000 – $100 for every pre-registered guest – to two charities focused on caring for the environment and fighting sex trafficking.

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As the audience soaked up the spectacular views from the upscale Pier One cocktail room in The Rocks, Konica Minolta managing director David Cooke dared customers and staff to not be afraid to share their concerns.

“If you ever feel like we have let you down, come kick down my door and say ‘what about all the caring stuff?’,” he said.

Later, guests were entertained by the world’s fastest painter Brad Blaze who, in just a few minutes each, painted Albert Einstein, pop star Pink, and of course the C1100 itself.

He also painted a jet fighter that was given to Ben Curnow from printer client Tyres4U, along with a voucher for a $2500 ‘Top Gun experience’ for winning a business card draw.

The glitter-covered portrait of Pink was sold to Academy Photography director Stewart Alexander for $3000 in a spontaneous, unplanned auction by Konica Minolta national sales director David Procter, with the proceeds split between the charities.

As Konica Minolta’s highest spec printer, the C1100 is positioned as an offset replacement and aimed squarely at commercial printers and high volume copyshops and franchises.

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