Strategic acquisition provides robust solution for printing heavy volumes 

Melville, NY – Canon Solutions America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., today announced that Classic Graphics, a nationally-recognized, award-winning graphic communications company, has installed two Océ VarioPrint® 6200 TP digital monochrome printing systems.

Founders David Pitts and Bill Gardner launched Classic Graphics in 1983 with an entrepreneurial spirit and a $15,000 loan from family members. Determined to be successful, they worked diligently to master the business and production practices of an industry that was being revolutionized by technology. Their perseverance paid off and Classic Graphics grew to become one of the top ranked companies in the industry.

Over the years, the Charlotte, NC-based company built a reputation for producing high-quality work with excellent attention to detail and top-notch customer service. Determined to remain at the top of its game, Classic Graphics dedicated itself to continuous integration of technology, process improvements, and building an ever-expanding portfolio of diverse capabilities.

Expanding and Upgrading

As it celebrated 20 years in business, Classic Graphics expanded its offerings to include fulfillment services, followed by mailing, digital print and wide-format inkjet. Over the past 10 years these services have become critical to serving their clients’ marketing needs and have helped to drive exceptional growth. 

When the time came to invest in new technology, Classic Graphics set out to identify a digital monochrome printing system that would deliver the quality and reliability its customers had come to expect. That’s what led them to Canon and specifically to the Océ VarioPrint 6200 TP.

Speedy and Reliable

The Océ VarioPrint 6200 TP appealed to Classic Graphics because of its outstanding print quality, reliability, and ease of operation. The ability for operators to perform much of the routine maintenance themselves alleviated concerns over down-time, while the availability of an optional speed upgrade bolstered the company’s confidence in its ability to print exceptionally large volumes on tight deadlines.

“Our print volume can vary based on factors that include legally mandated deadlines, special offers and unanticipated events,” said Shawn Underwood, Manager, Mailing Services, Classic Graphics. “We needed a system that could really ramp up during those times. The Océ VarioPrint 6200 TP was the obvious choice.”

Ultimately, Classic Graphics made the decision to invest in not one, but two Océ VarioPrint 6200 TP digital printing systems. Installation went smoothly and in just a few days, the new machines were up and running, tackling the heavy load that comes with Classic Graphics’ busy season. Production continued uninterrupted and operators had no problems adjusting to the new equipment.

“With the heavy workload Classic Graphics was going to be putting on its new machines, the Océ VarioPrint 6200 TP was the perfect fit,” said Francis McMahon, vice president marketing, Canon Solutions America, Production Print Solutions. “It really is a workhorse and an ideal solution for any company printing heavy volumes.”

Trial by Fire

Almost immediately, with the installation of Classic Graphics’ new Océ VarioPrint 6200 TP digital printing systems proved their worth, they were cranking out a whopping 9.7 million impressions during their first 45 days in operation. It was the optional speed upgrade that came to the rescue, enabling Classic Graphics to deliver a high volume of output in record time. The availability of the on-demand upgrade has given Classic Graphics the confidence to accept any challenge their clients send their way in the future.

“The ability to make a simple phone call and say, ‘We need more speed,’ and then be printing that much faster is a huge factor for us in being able to complete our projects on time,” said Underwood. “With the Océ equipment, I’m pretty much going to say ‘yes’ to whatever timeline I’m given because that’s not something I have to be concerned about anymore.”