Melbourne-based Prima PMI a print-on-demand fulfiller, has announced the deployment of ten Ricoh 9500 production printers at its Melbourne facility. This decision follows the acquisition of PMI Imageworks in late 2022 and an extensive digital press request for proposal (RFP) initiated for both organisations.

The RFP process involved three stages, starting with a comprehensive technology review and benchmarking period. Several elements, including narrow web, electrostatic ink, roll and sheet Inkjet, B2 and SRA3 formats, and toner, were considered. Prima PMI's parent company, The District Photo Group, currently has all of these deployed.

Following the benchmarking of various options taking into account factors like space, power, ceiling height, sheet yield, service levels, finishing infrastructure limitations, and targets related to CO2 emissions and return on equity (ROE), toner was selected.

Several toner manufacturers were engaged to propose solutions to a fixed output and provide a relevant business case. After due diligence was undertaken on engineering, productivity, output quality and yield in Japan, the decision was made.

The new Ricoh 9500 production printers will join Prima's existing eight Ricoh Pro C9210 and a fleet of Dye Sublimation, Direct to Garment (DTG), Latex, Aqueous, and Eco-solvent printers.

Prima PMI has had a long-standing relationship with Ricoh that has spanned six years. Throughout this period, both businesses have optimised offerings and infrastructure, pushing machines, service levels, and technology to their limits to enable transitions and deliver more value to brands and customers.

The Ricoh 9500 was recently launched globally, and Prima PMI's deployment of ten units is among the largest in the world. The Ricoh 9500 comes with improved yield by being able to adjust fuser temperatures swiftly when stock sizes change. Additionally, it offers a matte look by reducing the gloss level of the toner and printer capabilities on 40 gsm thin media, traditionally a challenge for digital presses.

The Ricoh Pro C9500 machines are designed to future-proof commercial printing businesses with improved automation, high-speed output, consistent quality, and reliable operations.

Amnon Judah, Managing Director at Prima PMI, expressed satisfaction with the output quality of the C9500 units, noting its importance given the company's increasing print volumes. He said, "We selected Ricoh as we wanted to invest in the best technology to meet growing customer demand, and needed to ensure that the technology was reliable and that the support and training provided by the vendor would be second to none."

Judah also touched on Prima PMI's commitment to sustainability, stating that the company moved to become 100% carbon neutral in 2023 by purchasing only renewable energy for the balance. The decision to invest in low-energy requirement print devices plays a role in this ambition.

Mark Moro, National Ricoh Graphic Communications Sales Manager at Ricoh Australia, expressed delight at supporting Prima PMI in their next growth phase, promising to supply scalable, industry-leading solutions for many years to come.