The industry giant has clarified its position in response to a request from Printweek, in light of Fujifilm Business Innovation’s recent launch of its own Revoria range of digital presses which will go on sale in some European markets (but not the UK) from next month.
A Xerox spokesperson told Printweek that Fujifilm Business Innovation (FBI) remained a strategic supplier to Xerox.
“The recent launch of Versant 280, Versant 4100 and the AltaLink 8100 series engines are strong examples of our ongoing sourcing relationship with FBI. In fact, Xerox has a recent agreement that ensures supply continuity for current and future products and auto-renews on a five-year basis,” the spokesperson explained.
The spokesperson said Xerox had “earned our leadership position through decades of innovation and investment”.
“Xerox has the industry’s most expansive portfolio of products, software and services and a world-class service delivery organisation, enabling us to provide a differentiated customer experience. We will continue to offer the Iridesse Production Press and PrimeLink B9100 coupled with our software and services that provide customers with an end-to-end solution.
“Regarding future plans, Fujifilm Business Innovation will continue supplying Xerox with the current Iridesse and PrimeLink equipment in all markets Xerox serves through their planned lifecycles as well as the required parts and supplies for a minimum period of seven years after the end of the product sales cycle.”
The spokesperson also noted that Xerox’s sourcing of follow-on products to these models “will be determined solely by Xerox based on the needs of our customers”.
“This may include in-house design and manufacturing or third-party product sourcing which may include Fujifilm Business Innovation.”
Xerox held a global technology webinar yesterday highlighting “the new era of print technology” and the creative possibilities in printing beyond CMYK.
Kevin O’Donnell, head of marketing for Xerox UK graphic communications and production systems, reported recent positive momentum in the UK.
He said: “There has been a market positive change literally in the past two weeks. Business and print volumes are going up, and things are heading in the right direction.”
Under the terms of the old Fuji Xerox joint venture Xerox had been the exclusive sales channel for markets outside of Asia and Oceania. The technology agreement between the two firms came to an end in March this year.
Both Fujifilm and Xerox are now free to pursue new OEM opportunities without the previous strictures around their joint venture.
Fuji Xerox was renamed Fujifilm Business Innovation in April.
