With the aim of creating new business opportunities in growth industries, SurfLink has formed a strategic alliance with major international company Fuji Xerox. Net Press, SurfLink’s digital printing and document management business, specialises in variable data document production. Ultimately, it expects to establish a national digital printing network.
“Fuji Xerox’s DocuColor 4040 has the capacity, quality and speed to service this market with a quicker turnaround and lower price than currently exists anywhere else,” said SurfLink General Manager, Michael Courtney.
For example, real estate brochures can be produced in full colour, on demand and in short run quantities. Using a system known as XDODS, Surf Coast Shire is also being assisted by Fuji Xerox to develop an image library, and can readily transport large volumes of work for printing by Net Press.
SurfLink, as Net Press’s owner, will be responsible for licensing this system to other Councils. Being Local Government based, SurfLink can assist each Council in ensuring local structural and community development issues are addressed.
By establishing a Net Press Centre, Councils have the capacity to streamline their own document production. More importantly, these can create a viable new business providing a Council with a new source of revenue and, at the same time, creating local job opportunities. The widespread application and efficiency of Net Press means it readily lends itself to marketing.
“Net Press Centres will be to digital printing what McDonalds is to hamburgers,” Michael Courtney said. SurfLink can assist in the establishment of Net Press Centres, identifying potential markets and applications, while Fuji Xerox will install equipment, train staff and support the Centres.
In addition, Fuji Xerox will assist with product development for the next five years, including products with overseas marketing potential.
“The Net Press Centres provide an opportunity for Councils to create local jobs in high tech areas and also service local business with new, innovative and cost competitive services,” said Surf Coast Chief Executive Officer, Peter Anderson.
As an adjunct of Local Government, they will also have ready access to regional networks, including schools, hospitals, other institutions and corporations.
“The potential for growth of Net Press is significant,” said James Koefoed, National Marketing Manager Production Printing, Fuji Xerox Australia. “Net Press was established from nothing and in 12 weeks its colour printing exceeded the national average by 72 percent in volume per month. This is due to the processes applied, product development, marketing and sales methodology.”
