Toshiba TEC teams up with KIP to offer Wide Format Document Imaging Solutions in the UK

New distribution agreement complements Toshiba MFPs, services and software with specialist Wide Format MFPs for architectural, construction and engineering sectors

Chertsey, 10th April 2008 -- Toshiba TEC Imaging Systems is teaming up with KIP UK, the UK subsidiary of the world’s leading manufacturer specialising in wide-format digital reprographic systems, to offer Toshiba’s UK customers  wide-format multifunction printing (MFP) solutions starting with the highly versatile and now colour capable KIP3000 wide-format MFP.

The new distribution agreement will enable Toshiba to respond to customer requirements for wide-format scanning, copying and printing as part of their overall print and document management solution. The two companies will work closely on tailoring solutions and providing on-going support to their joint customers.

KIP MFP Wide Format Solutions provide high definition digital A0 and A1-sized copying, scanning and printing – without the need for a centralised print room. They are highly intuitive with easy to use and understand touch screen control. The initial launch sees the introduction of the KIP3000 a system, which has a print speed of around 2.5 A0-sized pages per minute.

As with all KIP systems, the KIP3000 can be purchased as an entry level system that is easily upgradeable to provide additional functionality for monochrome and colour scanning, printing and copying. The latest versions can be configured to deliver one touch full colour scanning together with high quality colour copying capability to an existing wide format inkjet printer.

A leading innovator, KIP specialises in wide-format printing and image capture technology, and is a major provider of wide format digital solutions for the architectural, engineering and manufacturing industries.

“In the fast moving environment of document capture, distribution and reproduction we are increasingly seeing similarities in the requirements of narrow and wide format -  analogue to digital, mono to colour, copier to MFP, the changes are the same,” says Dick Casey, Marketing Manager, KIP UK.  “Customers are increasingly looking for best of breed single source supply.  We believe that this relationship which brings together two of the premier suppliers of MFP solutions is a major benefit for all of our customers.”

Steve Hewson, marketing director, Toshiba TEC said: “Our relationship with KIP UK gives our customers access to the best wide-format print, copy and scan solution on the market today. KIP3000 systems can be configured to support a wide variety of applications within an enterprise document management solution that also incorporates technologies and expertise from Toshiba and its other partners. We look forward to working with KIP to develop the market for innovative MFP solutions together in the UK”.

Ideally suited to the wide format requirements of the design, building, and engineering sectors, Toshiba also believes that other customers may benefit from integrating KIP3000 systems into their IT infrastructure.

“We have come across some customers who have printed off Multiple A3 sheets, which they have then painstakingly taped together. So, we can see KIP models like the new colour capable KIP3000 being used in the marketing departments of some corporates to produce A0 or A1 poster sized marketing materials”: added Hewson.