Fuji moves into commercial inkjet

Fujifilm is mounting an assault on the commercial inkjet sector as it aims to grow turnover for its global graphic arts business to 19.7bn (300bn) by April 2008.

News of Fujifilm’s plan emerged following Océ’s announcement that it had entered into a strategic partnership with Fuji. Fuji has now revealed that it has signed OEM agreements with both Océ and a unit of Mutoh holdings.

Under the terms of the Océ deal, Fuji will market Océ’s new Arizona 250 GT UV-curable flatbed printer, combined with inkjet technology from Fujifilm Sericol. The product, which was launched in the US earlier this month, is understood to have been branded Aurelia by Fuji.

Fujifilm UK managing director Keith Dalton said: “This isn’t just a ‘me too’ offering. It’s combined with the Sericol ink and optimised for that. It’s unique and won’t be sold through Océ.”

Dalton said Aurelia would be available in Europe around the middle of this year.

FUJIFILM'S PATH TO INKJET
January 2005 Buys ink maker Sericol for £123m
February 2006 Buys Avecia’s inkjet and electrophoto­graphy business for £150m
June 2006 Buys printhead maker Dimatix
April 2007
Signs OEM deals with Mutoh and Océ