Sales of Canon's imagePRESS C1 easily surpass initial targets with 500 European unit sales in eight weeks

Applications include short-run, on-demand production, proofing and variable data jobs

Dubai, UAE, April 2nd, 2007 -Canon Middle East, world leader in digital imaging technology, today announced that sales of its next-generation digital colour printing and proofing engine, the imagePRESS C1,which has exceptional image quality and can deliver 14ppm at a true 1,200dpi, has to date been bought by a range of companies across Europe, including ones in the principal markets of the UK, France, Germany and Italy.

The imagePRESS C1's robust engine, outstanding image quality and imagePRESS Server Q1, which was co-developed with EFI, enables companies to employ it for a spectrum of uses. It is currently being used as a high-quality proofer, for short-run and on-demand production, as well as variable data work across a variety of sectors including creative services, internal reprographics departments, copyshops and commercial printers.

Customers in the pay-for-print, quick print and commercial printing sectors have bought the imagePRESS C1 to expand their product ranges with the introduction of print-on-demand or variable data services, while simultaneously reducing their proofing processes and costs. Whereas internal reprographics departments regard the imagePRESS C1 as a way to bring low-volume, high-quality work in-house rather than sending these types of jobs to offset printers.  

Nabil EL Hawary, Solutions Product Manager, Canon Middle East, said "Sales of the imagePRESS C1 have met our initial targets -50 in eight weeks - and demand continues to build. The imagePRESS brand, which underlines our commitment to the professional printing sector, has already become synonymous with a level of excellence and versatility not previously seen on this type of device. The imagePRESS C1 enables customers to differentiate themselves by selling value-added, colour critical services, and sets a new benchmark for image quality and consistency in its class."

"Many customers regard the imagePRESS C1 as the perfect route to the larger imagePRESS C7000VP, which is aimed at the high-volume, high-quality arena. The imagePRESS C1 incorporates many features of the imagePRESS C7000VP, such as twin red laser imaging, Canon's new V-Toner, T-Developer and E-Drum technology in conjunction with an oil-less fusing system, to deliver print with the look and feel of offset. The fact that the imagePRESS C1 can be used in such a wide variety of roles provides companies with a cost effective path to move into new markets," added EL Hawary .  

The imagePRESS C1's Server Q1 has a raft of features for the demanding graphic arts environment including a dedicated colour management solution, exclusive to Canon, from X-Rite. Canon's relationship with X-Rite represents its commitment to working with best-in-class partners to deliver powerful solutions to the graphic arts market. In March this year Canon plans to extend the imagePRESS C1's controller line up with the availability of an entry-level EFI RIP, which offers advanced functionality.

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About Canon Middle East
Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for individuals and businesses. Canon provides both individual products and complete networked technology solutions for information input, management and output. Its product range is divided between Business Solutions (developing IT products, solutions and services for both the office and professional print environments) and Consumer Imaging (photography, video and digital camera, Bubble Jet printers).  Canon Middle East is the operational headquarters for Canon in this region, and is based in Dubai, UAE. Further information about Canon Middle East is available at: www.canon-me.com

Canon Contact:   
Sandra Hava
Marketing Department
Canon Middle East FZ-LLC
Tel: + 971 4 3915050
Direct: + 971 4 3915071
Fax: + 971 4 3916715
e-mail: havas@canon-me.com

Agency Contact:
Claire Liddell
G2 Dubai
Tel: (9714) 331 0331
Claire.liddell@g2dubai.com

© Press Release 2007