Canon hopes to shrug off its image as a photocopier firm and become a serious player in the graphic arts from the beginning of next year by challenging Xerox.
Its new focus on the commercial print market will be based around two new key products: the ImageRunner 110 - a version of Heidelberg's Digimaster 9110 110ppm monochrome printer; and the CLC 5000 - a new 50ppm colour machine, which is a direct challenge to Xerox's DocuColor 2000.
The CLC 5000 has already been launched in the US and is aggressively priced at 50,000 ($70,000) less than the comparable DocuColor, according to Canon.
"Canon has traditionally ignored commercial printers," said Kerry Button, marketing operations manager for graphic industries. "Not because it wanted to, but because it didn't have the products. The intention with the ImageRunner 110 and the CLC 5000 is to take on Xerox. Until now we've just been nibbling around the edges."
Button believes Canon is well placed to take on Xerox: "IBM and Danka aren't large enough to take them on - we plan to go head-to-head."
Story by Barney Cox
Have your say in the Printweek Poll
Related stories
Latest comments
"Sad to see another print company facing financial trouble. The industry is tough, and this highlights the ongoing challenges many are facing. Hope employees and customers get clarity soon."
"Not surprised, businesses need to prepare for these attacks rather than thinking that they're going to avoid them. At the very least, data needs to be fully protected with air gaps in place..."
"So much for growth then!"
Up next...
Six months after Charlesworth deal
TJ Books looks to appoint admins
Current timeframes are insufficient
Election print and postal pressures highlighted in AEA report
"Significant milestone"
Riso celebrates 20 years of inkjet
Strengthens existing product portfolio