Stephen Austin replaces legacy kit with two Canon presses
Canon’s varioPrint iX3200 and ColorStream 8160 were installed earlier this year, delivering enhanced automation
Exam and education print specialist Stephen Austin has invested in two new Canon presses to replace legacy kit and enhance automation across its operations.
The historic Hertford-based printer purchased a varioPrint iX3200 in May, along with a ColorStream 8160 press in June.
These upgrades have allowed the business to improve quality, productivity and flexibility for the next phase of its digital transformation journey.
Having first worked with the supplier over 15 years ago, the companies had an established relationship when it came to choosing new equipment, with Canon the printer's preferred provider of inkjet printing technology.
The new kit has replaced legacy equipment including multiple 6120 machines and a mono inkjet and they will be used for a mixture of secure print and commercial print jobs.
Stephen Austin noted that the iX3200 digital inkjet press has essentially condensed four machines into one, due to its ultra-fast production speeds of 9,120 SRA3 duplex images per hour with a high uptime of over 90%.
While the 8160 runs up to 200 metres per minute at 1,200x1,200dpi resolution and its automation has minimised the need for hands-on support to achieve fast, high-quality output.
Sustainability was also an appeal of the machines, which are designed to offer low power consumption, minimal waste and easy recyclability of output.
Kevin Strachan, Stephen Austin’s operations director said: “At the core of our business is delivering products and services that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations.
“Our most recent investments in Canon’s cutting-edge printing technology will empower our automation-led workflow and enable us to continue to provide the high-quality products and services our clients expect.”
Last year, Stephen Austin acquired nearby commercial printer Hertford Offset, which specialises in sheetfed litho printing, after the retirement of its owner Rosemary Wilkerson.
Stephen Austin has provided printing services for over 70 years and specialises in delivering examinations for government and ministries of education, distributing more than 100 million assessments to over 160 countries each year.
The firm works out of a 6,968sqm site in Hertford and has 100 members of staff with a £16m turnover.