Stephen Austin streamlines automation with new ColorStream 8160 and varioPrint iX3200

Print Solutions

Stephen Austin, which was established in 1768 in Hertford, has recently invested in Canon's ColorStream 8160 digital colour press and varioPrint iX3200 digital inkjet press. These new investments have enabled the business to replace legacy print equipment and improve quality, productivity and flexibility for the next phase of its digital transformation journey.

Stephen Austin is trusted by awarding organisations, governments and ministries of education all over the world, distributing more than 100 million assessments to over 160 countries every year. The company also has a well established relationship with Canon, having first worked together over 15 years ago to ensure continuous innovation for its customer base.

Following years of steady growth, the company recently purchased commercial printer Hertford Offset. It now prioritises maintaining high standards of excellence and efficiency across both its commercial and secure printing operations.

The varioPrint iX3200 has essentially condensed four machines into one at Stephen Austin. Its sheetfed inkjet technology offers ultra fast production speeds of 9120 SRA3 duplex images per hour, high uptime (over 90%) with automated efficiencies, and minimal labour involvement. The investment has replaced existing end of life devices and, critically, brought with it improved performance and product range. This, in turn, allows Stephen Austin to absorb growing customer demand across the examination and commercial markets.

Further accelerating its digital transformation, the ColorStream 8160 is built with automation at its core, minimising the need for hands-on support to achieve high quality output. With speeds of up to 200 metres per minute, high resolutions up to 1200 x 1200 dpi and low operational costs, this investment was an easy decision for the business.

Kevin Strachan, operations director at Stephen Austin and Hertford Offset, commented: ‘At the core of our business is delivering products and services that not only meet but exceed our customers' expectations. Our most recent investments in Canon's cutting edge printing technology will empower our automation led workflow and enable us to continue to provide the high quality products and services our clients expect.’