The digital services company was prompted to invest to meet growing demand for colour work and replaced an iGen 3 with the new, faster machine, which can print 150 sheets per minute and was launched last summer.
Director Paul Gibbons said: “I think this is the only one in the country – there are a few iGen 5 120s but as far as I know this is the only one of its kind. It's a top-of-the-line iGen.
“We wanted something that would mirror the paper size we have on our existing iGen 4 Diamond and offer top quality. The iGen 3 was a 110, so this new model is also faster.”
The kit swap took place around Christmas at the £8m-turnover 100-staff business based in Wokingham, Berkshire. The new machine is producing training and marketing manuals and user guides as well as Z-fold A4 work right up to poster size.
Gibbons said: “The new iGen has faster processing power and a Microsoft front-end. Previous models used a Solaris-based system, but the new technology will enable us to handle PDFs more productively.”
KnowledgePoint also runs a five-colour Canon Océ ColorStream 9440 fully integrated machine with finishing, two Océ 6250s and eight Xerox machines including two 4112s, a DP180 and a 6180.
“We are not yet the size we would like to be and have big ambitions to be a £15m business within three years,” said Gibbons.
“We have strategic plans and are looking at the market, especially inkjet. Although the technology is getting there, the quality hasn't arrived quite yet.
“But colour is a major part of our business - volumes are growing 20% to 25% year on year - and the market is starting to understand more about inkjets.”
Two years ago supplier Xeretec helped KnowledgePoint install a Xerox iGen4 to give the company more control over both image and output quality.
Its robust print engine was capable of printing nearly 4 million pages per month with quick turnaround times on each job. It also featured non-toxic dry inks which minimise waste and 97% recyclable components, according to manufacturer Xerox.
Gibbons said: “Part of our company philosophy is to invest in new technology when we can see the value it brings back to our business.”
