University of Leeds makes major print purchase

Described as “one of the biggest print tenders to come out of a UK University in 20 years”, the University of Leeds has chosen Konica Minolta UK as its print partner.

The manufacturer will provide a fully managed print solution and a complete refresh of its Print and Mail facility.

As well as investing in four new Konica Minolta presses, the University also purchased pre- and post-production workflow solutions and a full suite of Duplo finishing equipment.

This major investment is part of a new direction and digital strategy being implemented by the University with the print production facilities now being brought in-line with all the Multi-Functional Devices (MFDs) in each department.

The investment comprises the AccurioPress C1200 (which is the first in this sector in the UK), the AccurioPress C7100, and two AccurioPress 6120’s all powered by Konica Minolta print controllers with AccurioPRO Flux Ultimate workflow.

“The setup gives us flexibility as well as the capacity to keep up with extremely heavy periods of work,” explains Ollie Renshaw, business and systems manager at Print and Mail Service for the University of Leeds.

“The students and professors all order a steady stream of print, however, we get a lot of ‘oddball requests’ as well as a lot of events. My aim is that whatever we can do for the kids is worth it and we will find solutions to every single problem.”

From Duplo, the University has invested in the UK’s first installation of the DC-648 multi-finisher, the flagship iSaddle 5.0, the PFi Blade B2, and the DuBINDER DPB-500 Binder.

Commenting on this kit, Renshaw adds: “The Duplo machines are just fabulous. My operators think the automation and ease of use on the DC-648 is second to none. Normal jobs are all set up and the print is just fed through, taking the stress and hours upon hours of manual work away. We have so many different jobs coming through that this machine is a lifesaver.”

Renshaw goes on to explain that the iSaddle 5.0 was a more in-depth learning experience with the machine giving the facility so many more options for the students and staff. “Students can buy a coffee and the job is usually ready before they’re finished!” Renshaw adds.

Something he is particularly excited about is the PFi Blade and this is something the team wants to expand on and make print “sexy” again after Covid affected volumes.

“Overall, it’s really difficult for students to buy print,” Renshaw continues. “They simply don’t know what can be achieved, whether it’s the material choice, shape, product type, or booklet format. Everyone knows binding, which is where the Dubinder 500 came in.

“Although students are no longer required to case bind their thesis, they still do. That one printed volume is the culmination of years of toil as well as a massive investment. The variety of jobs that come through here is staggering.”

This variety of jobs, Renshaw explains, is why the University tendered with Konica Minolta, to enable it to put appropriate jobs through the right channel, and Konica brought with it the Duplo finishing and automation.

Jon Hiscock, head of production and industrial print at Konica Minolta UK, adds: “The package provided to the Print and Mail Centre at the University of Leeds represents the latest in Konica Minolta production print technology, automation tools and workflow integration.

“We are pleased to work in partnership with Duplo UK to deliver the University a future-proof solution that once optimised will enable it to meet its strategic goals and deliver a best in class student experience.”

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