General News

Sydney, Australia, June 12, 2013 - Celebrating 25 years, leading provider of wide-format inkjet printers and engraving solutions, Roland DG Australia has announced the winner of the "buy an XR, win an XR" competition launched with the release of the Roland PRO4 XR-640 wide format printer/cutter.

"We would like to congratulate Max Han of Colourland in Eastwood NSW," said Marc Margetts, Roland DG Managing Director. "We were excited to launch this competition last year for the release of the new Pro4 series products. Roland's XR-640 and Ford's XR6 not only have model numbers in common, but also amazing performance - which is why we selected this lucrative prize."

Mr Han was drawn as the winner on Friday 7th June by an independent auditor from Deliotte. After some initial shock and disbelief, Mr Han was very excited to receive the news. Mr Han has the choice of a Ford XR6 Ute or Sedan, and the vehicle will be delivered in the coming weeks.

More photos of the handover of the vehicle will be posted on social media and announcements to follow.

As part of their production print demonstrations at the show, Roland DG Australia will be printing over 1000 square meters of print for several well known non profit organisations to help promote their current campaigns and causes.

Sydney, Australia, May 22, 2013 - Leading wide format manufacturer Roland DG Australia is running a unique program at PacPrint and Visual Impact that will see Roland DG delivering large format prints for several non-profit organisations as part of their printer demonstrations at the show.

Roland DG will be one of the hundreds of exhibitors at PacPrint that will be showcasing the latest in print technology. A big part of showcasing these devices is of course printing samples in order to demonstrate the printing speeds, print quality and range of applications possible.

Having attended many exhibitions over the years, John Wall, Sales Director at Roland DG Australia, is very familiar with the amount of sample print that is produced at a big trade show such as PacPrint. "Typically, we produce lots of print over the five days of the exhibition, running sample prints to demonstrate our wide format devices," said John. "In fact, our new PRO4 XF-640 in particular runs so fast that it can literally go through a 50 metre roll of media with commercial grade print, in under an hour."

"Too often this print just go to waste, with much of it simply thrown out by visitors or exhibitors. You can only imagine the total amount of 'demonstration' print that will be printed at this show by all the exhibitors! So at Roland DG, we plan to give this print purpose."

Roland DG Australia is partnering with Oxfam Australia, World Vision Australia, SurfAid and industry organisation VISA, to deliver over 1000 square metersof useable print for various campaigns these organisations are running. Thanks to media partners, Shil and Avery, Roland DG will be using Sihl Quadrosorb 3526 matte poster paper and Avery 4130 for banners.

SurfAid's Director, Marketing and Communications, Kirk Willcox, said it was a great initiative from Roland DG Australia and much appreciated. "Being a small, non-profit organisation we have little budget for printing new marketing collateral," Willcox said. "This is of great benefit for our organization in helping to promote awareness of our work and we applaud Roland DG Australia for their creative thinking to benefit non-profits."

Zane Kuramoto, Creative Director at World Vision Australia was also grateful for the support - "These generously donated large scale prints will offer our staff and supporters the opportunity to see a selection of our beautiful photographs like never before and reconnect with the people we serve from communities all around the world. For this, we're truly thankful."

"We are excited to be able to support these great causes," said Marc Margetts, Managing Director at Roland DG Australia. "What better way to use our printing at the show than to offer it to organisations that do such good work in the community and around the world. We hope these prints help to make a great impact for these organisations."

Visit Roland DG at stand #4318 at PacPrint and Visual Impact to see how Roland DG is giving purpose to print.

ROLAND DG CORPORATION OFFICIALLY OPENS FIRST SALES SUBSIDIARY IN CHINA

Sydney, Australia, March 19, 2013 - Roland DG Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and 3D devices (President: Masahiro Tomioka, Headquarters: Hamamatsu, Japan, hereafter referred to as Roland DG) has established its first sales subsidiary in Shanghai, China: (Roland DG (China) Corporation, hereafter referred to as DG China). DG China offices are located in Shanghai Mart on Yan'an Road (West), Shanghai and began full operations in January of this year.

Roland DG has solidified its position as the world's top brand in professional-use inkjet printers used for the production of indoor and outdoor signs, posters and other signage. In addition, we continue to deliver new levels of digital manufacturing efficiency and value creation with milling machines and 3D scanners. Currently, Roland DG markets its innovative products and services in 133 countries through a network of partnering companies, including 11 subsidiaries.

Here in China, Roland DG has partnered with local master distributor Synnex Technology International (HK) Ltd., a company with a strong, established sales network throughout all of China. Together, their marketing efforts over the past few years have greatly expanded sales for wide-format inkjet printers. With the assistance of Synnex, Roland DG will continue to take advantage of signage market growth and boost its brand presence to new heights.

While we expand the sign and display markets in China in cooperation with Synnex, DG China is in the unique position to cultivate new printing markets by utilising the advantages of our UV-LED inkjet printers that can print directly to a wide variety of materials, and our dental milling machines used in creating dental prosthetics for a dental industry that craves new digital solutions. In addition, DG China will be invaluable in procuring parts to help our cost competitiveness.

Mr. Masahiro Tomioka, President of Roland DG, said regarding DG China's establishment: "In China, as the sign and display markets begin to grow, we are also making advances printing markets as well as various industries, such as health care and manufacturing. Currently, as a company, we are promoting a structural reformation, called Global One, to become a single group with the speed and flexibility to face a challenging global market and ever-changing economic environment. By 2016, it is said China's GDP will be the largest in the world, and DG China will play a pivotal role in our reform as we brave this massive market. As we continue to cultivate markets that thrive on digital technology, we expect DG China to become a center of growth within DG Group."

Tetsuya Kobayashi, President of DG China, said: "DG China has a superb staff and a solid business model to deliver high added value to customers. They go beyond providing hardware, software and supplies and deliver a unique user support system that realizes new business chances: Roland DG Academy offers training and seminars for all user levels, Roland DG Creative Center hosts a creative showcase of application samples to inspire the imagination, and Roland DG Care is our full product support system that lets people keep their products in top condition. "

Since our founding in 1981, Roland DG has continually valued the power of imagination, developing digital technology that allows the customers to transform imagination into reality. We have helped customers around the world achieve new standards of performance in business, art and other fields. In April of 2012, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of our founding, and held the Creative Awards, a contest for our users to showcase works made with our products. The grand prize winner was found here in China. To find such a winning combination of practical application and stunning creativity here-it truly stands as a defining example of our global brand message: "Imagine." 

Sydney, Australia, February 12, 2013 - Leading wide-format print solution provider Roland DG Australia, have recently signed a sponsorship deal with the latest team in the V8 Supercar Championship, Erebus Motorsport. As part of the agreement, Roland DG will provide state-of-the-art print technology to power the graphic requirements of the Team over the next two years.

Erebus Motorsport changed the V8 Supercar landscape in September 2012 when it announced it would be joining forces with AMG Customer Sports and Stone Brothers Racing, to introduce a fourth manufacturer to the sport from 2013.

The livery of the three Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG V8 Supercars, along with the race transporter, pit areas and all other graphic requirements will be produced on the Roland PRO4 XR-640 Printer/Cutter, and CAMM-1 GX-640 vinyl cutter.

Erebus Motorsport V8 Commercial Manager Jeff Reibel is excited about the new arrangement. "The visual appeal of the cars and team is so important these days" said Reibel, "partnering with Roland DG gives us access to the highest quality digital printing technology, ensuring all eyes will be on Erebus Motorsport V8 when we hit the track."

Roland DG Managing Director Marc Margetts is also pleased with the new deal - "There is going to be a real buzz around Erebus Motorsport this year with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG V8 Supercar" said Margetts. "We look forward to furthering our position as industry leader in the vehicle and durable graphics market through this deal."

Erebus Motorsport will be hosting an official launch event this week, where the world's first Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG V8 Supercars will be unveiled.

 

Erebus Motorsport

Founded in 2011, Erebus Motorsport has quickly become one of the most recognised Australian motorsport operations in the world. With the team's sole owner a female, Erebus Motorsport is unique in major league sports, particularly motorsport, and standing apart from the crowd is at the centre of the organisation's existence. Erebus Motorsport arrived on the world stage when it became the first AMG Customer Sports team outside Europe to take the SLS AMG GT3 to victory, then was awarded the 'Best Presented Car' award at the AMG Customer Sports Awards in Germany in 2011. Starting with one of the stunning 'Gullwings' in 2011, Erebus Motorsport expanded its operation in 2012 to finish second in the Bathurst 12 Hour and now has two SLS' in the Australian GT Championship, which it currently leads. The V8 Supercars program announced by Erebus Motorsport is just one part of its overall goal in 2013 and beyond.

 

ROLAND DG CORPORATION OPENS FIRST MANUFACTURING FACTORY OUTSIDE OF JAPAN. New Factory in the Kingdom of Thailand will serve as the Worldwide Export Hub for the Group.

Sydney, Australia, February 4, 2013 -Roland DG Corporation of Japan, the world's leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers for sign and display markets, today announced the official opening of its first manufacturing factory in the Kingdom of Thailand. The factory is also the first outside of Japan. Located in Sinsakhon Printing City & Industrial Estate Phase 2, Samutsakhon, this new factory is expected to become the region's major production center outside of Japan. It will serve as one of the worldwide export hubs for the group.

Mr. Masahiro Tomioka, President of Roland DG Corporation, Japan, said: "As the economic expansion in developing countries including Asia is expected to grow further in the mid to long term, we decided to establish a production base in Thailand so as to plan and manufacture products which meet the demand of developing countries. It was Thailand's good infrastructure and logistics, plus the availability of skilled labor, which made Thailand a very attractive destination for us. But more importantly, it was the presence of strong supporting industry network established through the efforts of the Thai government to attract companies to the region, and the investment incentives from The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) that made Thailand the location of choice for our global expansion."

 

The purpose of establishing a factory in Thailand is also to increase the number of manufacture and procurement facilities available. Whilst Thailand experienced disastrous flooding two years ago, the damage incurred from the earthquake and tsunami that same year in Japan disrupted the supply chain, and even affected the procurement of parts for our products. Establishing manufacturing and procurement functions not only in Japan, but also overseas has merit from the viewpoint of cost and increasing price competitiveness, as well as holds merit on the point of risk reduction.

While there has been a recent slight easing in the strength of the yen, its sudden rise in value after the Lehman Shock required action; with procurement of parts in other currencies besides the Japanese yen being another purpose of this factory, allowing us to avoid foreign exchange risks. Furthermore, having become a group organization, our company is currently pushing ahead with its "Global One" reorganization in order to respond quickly and flexibly to meet increasingly complex global market and management environment changes. With this restructuring, the factory in Thailand will become a central base for operations in the region, and will be highly effective for responding quickly to the needs of developing countries and realizing prices demanded by the market. In the near future, it is expected that the factory will not only handle manufacturing and procurement functions, but also assume planning and design functions.

The construction of the Thai factory was started in January 2012 with an initial investment of Bht. 200 million and became fully operational in October 2012. With the recent floods which plagued the region in and around Bangkok in mind, this new factory was designed with the floor of the factory at 190 centimeters above sea level, and 300 piles 26m long were driven to support the building from soft ground.

Mr. Akira Suzaki, President of Roland Digital Group (Thailand) Ltd., commented: "Our Thai factory initially began manufacturing the RE-640/RA-640, a popular wide-format inkjet printer. Employing excellent staff and using the 'Digital YATAI,'a cell production system originally developed by Roland DG, that features guided on-screen instructions and other automated systems,enables the Thai factory to utilise advanced manufacturing level to the same quality achieved in Japan. While minimising risk caused by human error, the Digital YATAI system makes it possible for anyone to assemble the product, and has contributed to the smooth launch of the factory. There has been production of over 400 units by the end of 2012 since the factory started mass production on 1st of October 2012. The first export of RE-640/RA-640 from the factory was made on October 27, 2012 to China, India, South Africa and Europe. The production of other printer models, such as the metallic printer VS series, is expected to be transferred from Japan to Thailand in the middle of this year. The company is planning to produce 3,700 units in 2013, and reach maximum capacity of more than 5,000 units in 2014."

Roland DG markets its innovative products and services in 133 countries through a network of partnering companies. This includes 9 subsidiaries and master distributors, including SVOA Public Company Limited, with which Roland has had a relationship for more than 25 years. As one of Thailand's leading computer IT system developers, SVOA represents Roland not only in Thailand, but also in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

Roland DG ('DG' stands for 'Digital Group') was founded as a subsidiary of the electronic musical instrument maker Roland Corporation in 1981. The early 1980's marked the era when the personal computers were born, and were being developed by companies such as Apple, IBM, and NEC. Realizing the importance of computers to modern society, Roland decided to take advantage of the digital technology it had developed through the production of electronic instruments and applied it to computer peripherals in order to cultivate a new market, thus forming Roland DG.

Roland DG firstly developed Computer Music, which allowed the user to compose and automatically perform music using a computer, and also the pen plotter, which was initially developed to output musical notation for songs created using the Computer Music by moving a pen horizontally (X axis) and vertically (Y axis) across the surface of a piece of paper. In the 1980's business grew rapidly as the market for pen plotters expanded to manufacturing design and development departments, and construction offices to draft design and schematics. During this time exploring other options began and replacing the pen by a cutter enabled Roland to begin development on cutting machines, and by adding height (Z axis), 3D milling machines and engraving machines. The 1990's marked the time when Roland changed its flagship product to cutting plotters and shifted its focus to the sign market. Realizing the importance of color signs, Roland developed and introduced its first wide-format color inkjet printer. Currently Roland continues to focus on its color business with its wide-format inkjet printers, which has secured more than 40% of the world market share, as well as the 3D business that includes 3D milling machines, 3D scanners, and engraving machines.

In recent years, Roland DG has witnessed the rapid advancement of computer graphics technology. Roland DG's technology therefore helps artists, designers and other professionals use digital imagery to produce everything from prototypes to works of art. This dovetails well with its global brand message "Imagine." It is a simple word; yet it is innovation's most powerful force.

Mr. Tomioka elaborated: "We believe 'Imagine.' can open up a world of possibilities. Today, Roland DG is committed to embrace the power of 'Imagine.' by making it possible for our customers everywhere to 'Transform their Imagination into Reality'.

The holiday season is upon us once again. Roland DG would like to thank you for your continued business in 2012. We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you of the proper procedures for your Roland printers should they be left unattended during the holiday break.

If your Roland printer is not going to be used for up to 3 weeks please ensure the main power (rear of machine) is left ON and the sub power (front control panel) is left OFF, also ink cartridges must be left with plenty of ink remaining.

If your printer is not going to be used for a longer period than 3 weeks or you would like to discuss please contact Roland DG support support@rolanddg.com.au or call 02 9975 0000 so we can be prepared for your return in the event any problems occur.

If there is a power failure there is not much you can do about it, when the power returns the machine will return to the same state. The print heads will be capped during this time so there should be nothing to worry about.

For those of you who may need technical assistance our technical team will be here during the Christmas period. This year we will be closing on the public holidays, as well as the 24th and 31st December. It might also be a good idea to make sure you all check your supplies and keep a spare set of ink etc just in case so you are not caught out.

Once again, the team at Roland DG wishes you a safe and happy holiday period. See you all in 2013!

Sydney, Australia, March 1, 2012 - Leading wide-format print, 3D milling and engraving solution providers Roland DG Australia have recently launched a new Authorised Dealer Logo. The new logo brings a fresh creative look, which ties into the companies 'Imagine' branding.

Originally launched in 2006, the Authorised Dealer Programme is now well recognised in the industry as a way of distinguishing a company that has the backing of the manufacturer, and who offer an unparalleled high level of support and service across the Roland DG product range.

The distinctive new look logo represents a new phase in Roland DG's partner relationships, and aims to reinforce the quality and value of its current dealer channel. John Wall, Roland DG Australia Sales Director commented, "Roland Authorised Dealers invest a great deal of time and money to be the best suppliers within the industry and in supporting the Roland DG brand. By purchasing machines and supplies from a Roland Authorised Dealer, the customer can feel at ease knowing not only that they are purchasing genuine Roland products, but are also backed by a comprehensive warranty and after sales care all part of the Roland DG Care programme."

For more information, or to locate an Authorised Roland Dealer visit www.rolanddg.com.au/dealers or call 02 9975 0000.

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Sydney, Australia, February 22, 2012 – Roland DG Australia, a leading provider of wide format print solutions, 3D milling and engraving technologies, today announced the launch of the Roland DG Australia Online Store. To support the recently launched iCreate website for the Roland iModela, the Roland DG Australia Store offers secure online purchasing for the iModela, iModela accessories, and also a range of Pantone and SAi software products.

              

iModela and iCreate

Incorporating 25 years of Roland's proven 3D milling technology, the iModela is an inexpensive, easy-to-use desktop device that mills wax, foam, balsa wood and plastic materials commonly used in craft and hobby projects. To help iModela artists further their creative goals, Roland DG has setup a dedicated website, www.icreate.rolanddg.com.

In addition to complete information on the iModela, the site provides a platform for users to collaborate and get inspiration from around the globe. Users can gain design ideas, production workflows and maintenance tips, and also download free project samples for production on the iModela. Driven heavily through social media, iModela users can share projects and techniques with each other on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

The iModela and all accessories are available for ourchase through www.icreate.rolanddg.com or the new Roland DG online store - store.rolanddg.com.au.

Pantone and Flexi Products

As an official distributor of Pantone products and SAi software, Flexi and PhotoPrint, Roland DG Australia is now offering a range of these products available for purchase online.

“With the release of the low cost iModela, we needed a solution to deliver this product effectively to market,” said John Wall, Sales Director at Roland DG Australia. “Ecommerce was the natural solution and the online store now makes it easier than ever to purchase Pantone, Flexi and PhotoPrint products online.”

To purchase iModela, Pantone, Flexi or PhotoPrint visit www.store.rolanddg.com or follow the links to the store from www.rolanddg.com.au.

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Roland DG Continues to Power V8 Supercar Champions Print Requirements

Sydney, Australia, 18 January 2012 - Leading wide format manufacturer Roland DG Australia and 2011 V8 Supercar champions TeamVodafone, will continue their successful partnership into 2012.

Coming off a highly successful 2011, which saw Jamie Whincup take out the V8 Supercar Championship title ahead of teammate Craig Lowndes, TeamVodafone are preparing for another big year in 2012, and will once again rely on Roland equipment to power all their printing requirements. The new Holden Commodore's, the re-designed transporter, the pit walls and other equipment will all be produced by the innovative Roland XC-540MT printer/cutter with metallic ink technology, and finished with the Roland VersaLAM laminator and VersaCUT print trimmers.

 

TeamVodafone Commercial Operations Manager Peter Jamieson commented, "We had a very successful 2011 both on and off the track, highlighted by the fact that we also won the 'Best Presented Team' which we have to thank the Roland equipment as it played a big part, by reliably producing exceptional results for all our in-house graphic needs.

Since receiving the Roland equipment, we have been constantly impressed with its capabilities and are looking forward to extending the car livery boundaries into the future. Our aim is to remain at the forefront of the Championship, and the XC-540MT gives us the ability to consistently deliver quality prints, meaning our cars will continue to look fantastic, allowing us to focus on winning races!"

"Congratulations to Jamie, Craig and the whole team on the 2011 Championship!" said John Wall, Sales Director at Roland DG. "TeamVodafone had an amazing year in 2011 and Roland DG was proud to be associated with such a professional and successful organisation"

With planning for 2012 well underway, and the Clipsal 500 not far off, TeamVodafone will once again be working with Roland DG to get the best results from their printing. "We look forward to working together with TeamVodafone again in 2012 to achieve the same success as 2011" said John.

For regular news and updates on the 2012 V8 Supercar season, visit www.teamvodafone.com.au, or for more information about Roland DG Australia visit www.rolanddg.com.au.

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SAi Implements its PDF RIP Engine - FlexiSIGN and PhotoPRINT : v10.5 RELEASED

Sydney, Australia, 18 January 2012 - Roland DG Australia, an official reseller for SA International (SAi), the leading provider of Solutions for the Professional Sign Making, Large Format Digital Printing and CAD/CAM for CNC Machining Industries, are pleased to announce that we have released FlexiSIGN v10.5 and PhotoPRINT v10.5 for Windows. The new installers can be downloaded from www.SAintl.biz/pdf, type in your keynumber and the 4 first digits of your passwords and you will immediately receive your 10.5 password by return and a download link to 10.5.  ICC profiles created in 6.1v2 and above versions do not have to be recreated in the new v10.5.  ICC profiles can be downloaded separately from www.photoprint10.com and www.flexisign10.com .

Highlights for this release are:

• PDF RIP engine. This next generation raster image processing technology highly improves rendering of transparencies and allows to choose the page bounding box for PDF files
• Repeat Job has been added to PhotoPRINT SE
• Added Pantone Plus libraries
• Added font size selection for barcode 128
• Improved the nesting algorithm in Flexi to further optimize media usage
• New Added Drivers for the Roland: VersaUV LEC-12 and VersaStudio BN-20.

Customers with Flexi 10 (with RIP) or PhotoPRINT 10 software will need a new password to run the free 10.5 update. To make this process as seamless as possible, SAi will make the new passwords available on a special site.Visit www.SAintl.biz/pdf to obtain your 10.5 password and a direct link to the 10.5 installer. Please note that no updater is available for existing 10.0.1/10.0.2/10.0.3 and 10.0.4 installations, a new 10.5 install is required. This link can also be used to obtain your new 10.5 NFR-password.

Previous versions - which included the Adobe CPSI RIP engine - will no longer be commercially available : this applies specifically for all pre-10.5 printing products (including V8.x/V6.x and older) on Win-PC and OSX-Mac, including upgrades to, new licenses and site licenses.

Exception to the above applies for exchanges for broken keys and the extension of existing NFR dealer-licenses.
 
For more information or should you have any further questions please contact Roland DG today.

 

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