Ramsey, N.J. and Salt Lake City - Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, and AlphaGraphics, Inc., marketing and communications franchisor, announced today that Konica Minolta has been awarded preferred vendor status among AlphaGraphics' 260+ franchises.  As part of the agreement and approved partner status, AlphaGraphics franchises can now acquire the bizhub® PRESS C8000/C7000/C6000 Series of Color Digital Presses and bizhub PRO 1200/1051 Series of Monochrome Digital Presses to fulfill their customers' needs.

With franchises that consistently average annual sales more than $1M, AlphaGraphics is a recognized leader in the print and marketing communications market.  AlphaGraphics has created the  AlphaGraphics Quality Management Program based on ISO 9001:2008 standards and also incorporates Lean Manufacturing philosophies.  All AlphaGraphics business centers maintain a rigorous quality process to ensure that they are following the requirements of the program, and provide the highest quality products and services for its customers.

The newly-approved bizhub PRESS and bizhub PRO products will continue to distinguish AlphaGraphics as a leader in the print services market offering 1200 dpi resolution, versatile leading edge finishing technologies, and up to 356 gsm substrate handling capability.

"We are happy to have just released to our franchises the approval of this award-winning product line of production print systems from Konica Minolta," said Gary Korn, Senior Director of Operations, AlphaGraphics, Inc.

bizhub PRESS Product Line
With the flagship line of bizhub PRESS color digital presses, Konica Minolta is setting a new color standard in light production printing while also reducing overhead costs.  Building upon the advanced imaging technology is the award-winning bizhub PRESS C8000, customers will immediately recognize how the product line's innovative new engine improves image quality while reducing costs.   

The color digital presses deliver big-iron reliability, outstanding color quality, and exceptional productivity at an extraordinary value.  The bizhub PRESS C7000/C6000 Series creates extraordinary color images with1200dpi resolution and automatic Image Density Control (IDC) that ensures consistently outstanding image fidelity over long runs.  By employing true 8-bit data compression, Konica Minolta has minimized RIP time while keeping color production in high gear from start to finish.  An air assist paper separation system provides enhanced support for heavy and coated stocks and powerful print control combined with flexible in-line finishing options let users build a system customized to their production environment.

bizhub PRO 1051/1200
The award-winning line of monochrome digital presses, the bizhub PRO 1200 Series combines long-run reliability and image quality with fast output speeds - 120 pages per minute (ppm) on the bizhub PRO 1200 and bizhub PRO 1200P, and 105 ppm on the bizhub PRO 1051.  Featuring a modularity of more than 40 system configurations to allow end-users to match capability to workflow needs, the new series proves to be a one-stop-shop for all production print needs.  Once installed, commercial printers, print-for-pay environments and large CRDs will benefit from new screening technologies and monthly duty cycles of up to 3 million pages.

"AlphaGraphics is a well-respected leader in the print services industry and we are happy to partner with a company that is so focused on quality and service," said Kevin Kern, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc.  "Through our partnership, AlphaGraphics' customers will see firsthand how easy it is to count on Konica Minolta for all of their digital printing needs."