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October 1st 2008 sees the UK launch of FUJIFILM Sericol’s new Large Format Printing
(LFP) business, bringing together the full range of hardware, ink, media, software
and tools needed by printers. Many of the products offered will bear the company’s
newly-acquired euromedia brand. euromedia is Europe’s fastest growing brand for
Large Format Printing supplies, already recognised by 10,000 customers.
The move reflects FUJIFILM Sericol’s intention to supply complete Large Format systems rather than
selected elements. With this aim, FUJIFILM Sericol acquired Colormy, an innovative Cologne-based
distributor, in November 2007. For the last seven years, the company has focussed on the fast-growing Large Format inkjet sector, with most of its products carrying the name of its principal brand, euromedia. FUJIFILM Sericol plans to replicate the successful German business model in the UK and across
continental Europe.
Removing the guesswork
The formula has two elements: products and support. Large Format Printing experts hand-select
best-in-class products that address a particular need. Products – hardware, software, inks, media,
display equipment and so on – are evaluated and qualified by industry experts before being included
in the euromedia range.
As a result, customers buy supplies without the uncertainty that can deter creative applications.
Other FUJIFILM Sericol LFP products, such as Uvijet and Color+ inks and the Inca Spyder printer,
will be subject to the same stringent tests for quality and fitness for purpose, and will be identified
as “euromedia QUALIFIED”. Field technical support, including engineering, application and colour management, will be provided by FUJIFILM and Sericol technical staff based in the UK. FUJIFILM Sericol intends to develop a programme of customer support that draws on the German example of the
euromedia brand. euromedia support has been described by customers as “surprising – in a good way”.
For example, order-taking is pro-active, with staff who have a thorough, commercial understanding of
Large Format Print applications. Customers are invited to explain the job they are planning. euromedia
staff can advise alternatives that will add value and give better results. Sometimes an approach is
entirely new to the customer (and print buyer), in which case staff can both recommend the best
materials for the job and advise on how the application works.
Customers must prosper
FUJIFILM Sericol believes that customers choose euromedia because it addresses the big picture.
The aim is to help build successful printing businesses; to help customers think creatively; to look at
print jobs in different ways and to offer expertise and advice based on a clear commercial understanding
of Large Format Printing. FUJIFILM Sericol’s view is that if its LFP business is to prosper, then so too
must its customers. Based on the euromedia support model, FUJIFILM Sericol will provide a programme
of training, co-operative marketing and technical support for customers. Currently in Germany,
for example, to help customers win more business, external sales training, off-the-shelf promotional
templates and call-centre follow-up services are available. To help them run their business better,
the programme includes management training on such business-critical aspects as staff and cash-flow management.
Behind the steering wheel
To grow its LFP business, FUJIFILM Sericol has turned to an acknowledged UK industry figure,
David Burton. Now FUJIFILM Sericol’s Large Format Business Development Director for Europe,
Burton brings a successful background in building a profitable digital reseller business spanning
hardware, media, ink, workflow and software. Burton chose FUJIFILM Sericol
“because it has the best Large Format portfolio now, the clearest vision for the future and the soundest strategy to achieve it.”
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