Inkjet & Digital Printing
Unite the Union tackles the need for printing more advice-led materials during the recession
Friday 15. May 2009 - In order to address a growing need for timely communications to union members in the current economic climate, Unite, the UKs biggest trade union, has increased its print capacity by investing in a new Xerox iGen4 digital press.
In testing economic times, campaign and printed materials provided by the union are often a first port of call for members wanting to know their rights in the workplace and how to protect their jobs. It is therefore imperative that there is clear, consistent communication with members using materials such as newsletters, flyers, posters, stickers and placards.
Located in Hayes, Kent, Unites in-house print plant is addressing the organisations growing need to produce instructional materials by investing in new print technology. The new Xerox iGen4 digital press addresses the unions current requirements for greater printing capacity and efficiency as well as future proofing the print department by providing the capability to personalise materials such as union magazines.
Dai Davies, head of publications for Unite, said, “The combination of the recessions impact on the workplace and the fact that we are a newly formed organisation through a merger of two of the countrys largest trade unions, means that we suddenly have to address the growing demands of this new organisation and integrate our printed and digital communications. The flexibility the Xerox iGen4 gives us means we can adapt very quickly to this rapidly changing environment. Having worked with Xerox in the past, we knew that the sales team would be able to deliver the right technology for us. The Xerox iGen4 is able to offer us increased capacity, greater functionality and the capability to expand print volume further in the future.”
Peter Taylor director, Production and Graphic Communications, Xerox UK added, “The document is king at the UKs largest union, Unite. Whether it is an advice brochure or a staffroom poster, printed communication continues to be one of the core links between the union and its members. To ensure that this channel of communication remains powerful, Unite is investing in an iGen4 that can produce high impact, personalised, quality printed documents quickly and efficiently.”
The Xerox iGen 4 digital press is an extension of Unites digital print portfolio, which includes a Xerox DocuColor 5000, a Xerox Nuvera 120ESA and Xerox FreeFlow Process Manager. With the unions need to increase efficiency, the new Xerox print press increases productivity by 25 to 35 percent by automating certain operator tasks, reducing the need to interrupt the press for adjustments and decreasing overall operating costs.