RAMSEY, N.J., Oct. 2 -- In a move to solidify its top market share position in color laser digital copiers and to expand its growing share of the production printing market, KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC. (KONICA MINOLTA) today announced the launch of the bizhub PRO C6500 Digital Color Printing System. The bizhub PRO C6500 features 65 ppm color and black and white printing and copying with a high volume 300,000-page monthly duty cycle. The bizhub PRO C6500's paper capacity, flexible finishing options and cost-efficiency are ideal for light- to mid-volume on-demand color production printing. The bizhub PRO C6500 has the ability to duplex print heavy and coated stocks -- up to 256 gsm (10 point) through any tray -- and 300 gsm (14 point) stock simplex prints through a dedicated paper tray. Finishing options include a saddle-stitch booklet maker for up to 200-page trimmed booklets, a multi-folding unit with post-inserter and hole punch, and a 5,000- sheet stacker unit for increased productivity and lower labor costs. The new Simitri HD Color Polymerized Toner was developed specifically for the production printing market and is available for the first time on the bizhub PRO C6500. Its small particle size provides smoother halftones and a vast improvement in text reproduction and sharpness. In addition, the small particle size leads to less toner use resulting in cost savings. "The bizhub PRO C6500 is poised to redefine the price/performance curve for production color printers," said Kevin P. Kern, vice president, product planning and development, KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC. "The bizhub PRO C6500 fills the gap between high volume and light production models and is geared primarily toward print-for-pay, corporate central reproduction departments (CRDs), commercial printers and corporate data centers. The combination of quality, speed, reliability, reduced cost of ownership, flexible throughput and finishing, and powerful front-end RIP options offered by the bizhub PRO C6500 makes it an excellent choice for print professionals." "In a relatively short period of time, Konica Minolta has climbed its way to the top market share position in color(1) and has established a solid reputation in the production printing industry," said William H. Brewster, Jr., vice president, marketing, KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS U.S.A., INC. "The bizhub PRO C6500 continues the legacy of KONICA MINOLTA award-winning color products, will strengthen our hold on first place in color and fuel our growth in production printing. Innovative products like the bizhub PRO C6500 backed by the best after-sales customer care establish truly beneficial customer relationships, enabling us to continue our growth momentum." bizhub PRO C6500 Features * 65 ppm print/copy in both color and black * New Simitri HD Color Polymerized Toner for superior image quality * Ability to duplex print heavy and coated stocks - 256 gsm (10 Points) through any tray * Maximum paper weight = 300 gsm (14 Points) through Tray 5 (simplex only) * Maximum paper capacity of 7,500 sheets * All paper sources are universal from 5.5" x 8.5" to 13" x 19.2" for full bleed 12" x 18" printing and copying * Multiple configuration options to meet any need * Professional finishing options, including: -- Saddle Stitch Booklet Maker for up to 200-page trimmed booklets -- Multi-folding Unit with Post Inserter and Hole Punch includes six different in-line folds -- Stacker Unit for up to 5,000-sheet stacked output * Powerful image controller options: -- External Fiery IC-303 -- External Creo IC-304 -- Embedded Fiery Controller Availability and Pricing The bizhub PRO C6500 is available through KONICA MINOLTA's North American direct sales, authorized dealer and value-added reseller channels. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the bizhub PRO C6500 is $41,700.