BUSINESS / NEWS PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine 12 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2024 - Issue 348 FUJIFILM Business Innovation and Konica Minolta have announced they are exploring a potential strategic alliance to optimise procurement, toner development, and production efficiencies. The potential partnership aligns with the increasing number of collaborations taking place amongst manufacturers as well as businesses as profits tighten and competition gets fiercer. Recently Agfa and EFI entered into a global partnership to integrate one another’s technologies into both portfolios. Ricoh has also looked to expand its hardware capabilities via a partnership with Flora Digital. FUJIFILM and Konica Minolta’s alliance would be in the multifunction printer (MFP), office printer, and production printer segments of the two companies. Konica Minolta says the “rapidly evolving market landscape” requires “proactive measures” hence the consideration for a business alliance. The agreement would include the procurement of raw materials and parts with the venture aiming to be established by the second quarter of 2024’s financial year, of which FUJIFILM Business Innovation would have a majority share. The partnership would also look at the development of toner and other potential strategic collaborations in the future. Naoki Hama, president and chief executive officer of FUJIFILM Business Innovation, comments: “We are confident that this partnership will create a new framework to enhance our supply chain and build a robust business foundation.” Konica Minolta and FUJIFILM explore alliance Zund UK, which is a part of Zünd, a manufacturer of multifunctional digital cutting systems, has celebrated the opening of its new 40,000sq ft UK headquarters based in Hertfordshire. Held on April 17th, the grand opening was attended by customers, partners, and local dignitaries who got to experience an exclusive tour of Zund UK’s brand-new site. The event also acted as an opportunity to unveil the new Q-Line with BHS180, a new system made for industrial, pallet-to-pallet production. The machine is tailored to the requirements of highly automated, industrial finishing in the digital production of displays and printed packaging. The BHS180 will have its trade show premiere at drupa 2024 along with robotic solutions like the Robot PortaTable 130 made to quickly pick and sort through finished products. Speaking about the choice to invest in a new headquarters, Oliver Zünd, global chief executive officer at Zünd Systemtechnik AG, says: “The decision to purchase a new, larger building to create an innovative space for digital cutting systems and to serve as the new home for Zünd UK underlines the importance of the UK market to Zund.” The day also included demonstrations from Zünd Generation 3 technology and presentations highlighting the advancements in G3, S3, and D3 cutting capabilities. Zund UK celebrates grand opening Zund UK’s new HQ is based in Acuta House, Letchworth Garden City in Hertfordshire By David Osgar By David Osgar Konica Minolta and FUJIFILM have begun proceedings to collaborate in the future Following its purchase of Kingsbury Press in 2021, Bluetree Group has announced changes to the company leading to a number of job losses. Bluetree Group has continued to evolve its various print businesses over the past few years like with the investment of new kit like the Landa S10P Nanographic Printing Press and the closing of its medical division at the end of 2023. Moving away from ultra-luxury and craft-style work the business will now produce more standardised products on its industrialised platform switching the focus to publishing and servicing the requirements of the group's trade brand Route1Print. Kingsbury Press was founded in 1966 with an ever-present focus on craftsmanship and commitment to quality producing works with exotic materials which could cost thousands of pounds. James Kinsella, co-chief executive officer for Bluetree Group, says: “It was a big decision for Kingsbury Press to move out of the market for very high-end craft-style books. Although we’re excited for the future and the opportunities in the marketplace, we acknowledge that this is a big change for some long-standing clients who are part of Kingsbury’s heritage". Kinsella acknowledges that this change has led to job losses, adding: “This change has unfortunately impacted a number of specialist roles and we are currently in discussions with affected team members.” Sarah Kilcoyne-Guilliam, former deputy general manager at Kingsbury Press, took to LinkedIn to express her sadness in leaving the company after nearly 14 years. Kilcoyne-Guilliam said: “As I embark on a new chapter, I’ll carry with me invaluable lessons and memories from my time here. While it's bittersweet to say goodbye, I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.” The craft and passion of Kingsbury’s work have been evident in the raft of reactions and messages online as well as the company’s recent awards success. Bluetree Group announces changes to Kingsbury Press Having been acquired by Bluetree Group in 2021, Kingsbury Press will now be servicing the group’s other brands like Route1Print By David Osgar
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