Ricoh Europe has partnered with French start-up company Orséry to unveil a “revolutionary approach to personalized print-on-demand book production.” The innovative process allows end users to print their own publications on-site in locations such as bookstores and libraries in minutes – or, end users can print a book from an extensive catalogue of several thousand titles. The novel approach, said the companies, is ideal for self-publishing everything from highly personalized story books to technology and business publications. It’s expected that bookstores will also use the service for their own point-of-purchase materials.
Orséry initially invested in four Ricoh Pro C7100X digital colour sheetfed presses with inline perfect binding – two in Paris, France, one in Lille, and one in Saint Jean de Luz. Christian Vié, Orséry Founder and CEO, explained that this investment is just the tip of the iceberg. He predicts many more similar lines will be installed across France within the next three years. Vié then hopes to license the approach worldwide, expanding into South America, China and Japan, as well as across Europe – including Spain, Switzerland and Belgium. “This is a fresh distribute-and-print approach to book production. Just like the computer industry was transformed 30 years ago through non-skilled operation, we aim to do the same with these easy-to-use production lines. As well as providing a quick and simple service, it will also enable countries like Kazakhstan to print in their language and promote their cultural identity.”
He further explained the development process. “We worked with Ricoh for three years to identify all the required elements – including toner, paper, glue, hardware and our own software. We chose the Ricoh Pro C7100X because of its ability to print and bind monochrome and colour books, its high quality, and the fifth station that will produce clear gloss. Everything works together the way we want it to and it can be replicated anywhere. This would not have been possible without the strong relationship we developed with Ricoh. It’s an agile and adaptive partner with a powerful worldwide support network. It also provides local service we know we can rely on.”
Ricoh partners with Orséry for bold new onsite book-on-demand printing service
