Ricoh Corp.

Deep inside a nondescript, two-story brick building in the center of Helena, Mont., Ryan Betcher ruminates about the days when the state’s Print & Mail Services Bureau was filled with printing presses, running eight hours a day.

Ricoh Americas and PriscoDigital LLC have signed a national distribution agreement that lets PriscoDigital’s U.S. commercial print customers take advantage of Ricoh’s cutsheet digital production print solutions. PriscoDigital now has a complete digital portfolio. It will begin reselling Ricoh’s full line of cutsheet devices starting on Sept. 28. Ricoh will provide sales overlay support, systems analysis, systems integration and technical support, while PriscoDigital will provide expertise in applications, color management and training, as well as first-level after sale services.

With its acquisition this week of DiMS! organizing print, a developer of MIS/ERP systems for print and packaging companies, EFI continues to extend its reach into the MIS market.

In-plant managers in Boise, Idaho, and Baton Rouge, La., have something in common. Both groups will be meeting next Friday, September 19, in their respective cities for a full day of networking, education and in-plant tours as part of the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association's series of fall regional meetings.

Across the country, several in-plants have added production inkjet presses. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield installed one about a year ago and is seeing significant cost savings as a result. The State of Colorado is about to add one as well.

Hot products for the in-plant market.

After a successful run last year, the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association is hosting another round of fall regional meetings, starting with a gathering next Friday, September 5, in Nashville. Open to all in-plants, not just IPMA members, the meetings will take place in 13 locations around the country to give in-plants the opportunity to meet face to face, network and listen to informative presentations. They can also enjoy lunch and an in-plant tour.

As director of Printing, Mailing and Document Services for the University of Oklahoma—renowned for its storied Sooners football team, this year's Big 12 preseason favorite—John Sarantakos is used to thinking big and going long.

These products for the in-plant market will be on display at Graph Expo.

By increasing production capabilities and maintaining a customer-centric marketing approach, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Document Services was able to improve its reputation in the company.