Konica signs US deals for B2 inkjet

Konica Minolta has sold its first AccurioJet KM-1 UV B2 digital presses, to two US companies at Drupa. The machine had its commercial launch at the show.

The manufacturer’s US division has signed up PostcardMania, in Tampa, Florida, and Cohber Press in Rochester, New York.

The US deals represent Cohber’s first foray into inkjet. The company’s resident Eric Webber said the decision was prompted by the 3,000sph press’s versatility. “We’ve been talking about inkjet for a number of years – once that inkjet was up to a certain standard, especially in B2.”

Chief technology officer J Chris Bowen added: “What gets us engaged out of the gate is there’s no pre-coating of the sheets. At the plant we can have one workflow for offset or digital.”

Konica Minolta senior manager production printing international marketing division Michael Mølbaek said: “We’ve sold about 75 machines at the show. It’s been really successful for us and we’re very proud.” He said the Bizhub Press C71 CF label press had been its biggest seller.