Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has supplied Eight Group with an AccurioJet KM-1e digital B2 inkjet press, the first of its kind to be installed at a UK print business. Taking advantage of the press’ exceptional print quality and colour accuracy, sustainability credentials and compact footprint, the Nottingham based print specialist is pioneering its use as part of its £1.2m investment in enhancing its production facilities, whilst enjoying savings of around £125,000 in outsourced large format costs.



The AccurioJet range features offset class quality, true substrate flexibility, and faster turnaround without the cost and complexity usually associated with the B2 format. Eight Group is also using the AccurioPro Flux Premium and AccurioPro Dashboard software, which provide a unified workflow and dashboard with advanced management information and insights into unitisation, capacity and maximising productivity. Along with the AccurioJet press, Eight Group has also invested in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C12000e production printer, both of which join an AccurioPress C14000 which has served the company for two years. Utilising these presses, Eight Group now has greater production flexibility and increased capacity, which is enabling them to explore new areas of business beyond its core direct mail offering to offer personalised packaging, retail printing, and broader commercial print options to new and existing customers and markets.

Following the installation of the AccurioJet press, Lance Hill, CEO of Eight Group commented, “This is a considerable enhancement for our business and a UK first for Konica Minolta. This AccurioJet digital press enables us to produce exceptional quality, short run, large format work in-house, that we previously outsourced to litho subcontractors. We have greater control of production whilst keeping more revenue in-house, better utilisation of our equipment, and enhanced speed to market, along with top quality results across a wide range of substrates. We now have an entire digital print line powered by Konica Minolta.”

The AccurioJet KM-1e was financed by Compass Business Finance, after Lance met David Bunker, one of its directors, during a networking lunch at an IPIA Autumn Conference last year. "Compass is a trusted partner in the print industry and did a good job," said Lance, a council member of the IPIA. "The funding process was as simple and straightforward as could be. From the beginning, I felt a strong connection to Compass and David – the rest is history."

As a certified B Corp business, Konica Minolta and its products’ sustainability credentials were key to Eight Group selecting the AccurioJet press. The advanced UV inkjet technology uses ink that does not require water, reduces waste through precise ink application and eliminates prepress material needs. Streamlined workflows and LED quick-drying UV ink require lower energy use, while compatibility with recycled and lightweight substrates supports sustainable practices. Konica Minolta’s commitment to the circular economy also aligns closely with Eight Group’s sustainability focus. 
    
A successful relationship between Eight Group and Konica Minolta also influenced the investment in the flagship AccurioJet technology. Lance commented, “The AccurioPress C14000 has been highly reliable and the relationship and exemplary support with Konica Minolta were crucial factors. Having seen this AccurioJet press at drupa and again at Konica Minolta’s CEC, we were absolutely stunned by the output quality, which rivals litho alternatives and significantly outshines its digital competitors. We didn’t just want to follow the crowd – the Konica Minolta solution is the right investment for our business and right for our customers too.”

Jon Hiscock, Head of Production & Industrial Print at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd, commented: “This is one of those key moments for the UK B2 print sector as it embraces the digital B2+ inkjet technology. We’re proud to partner with Eight Group on this important step forward. Their investment reflects true partnership with a clear understanding of evolving customer needs and future market dynamics. By co-creating a tailored, scalable solution with Eight Group we’re not just delivering exceptional print quality and efficiency - we’re helping them to future proof their business. It's this shared vision, built on trust and a deep understanding of challenges and aspirations, that drives true innovation.”

For further details on Eight Group visit: www.eightgroup.co.uk

www.konicaminolta.co.uk

Eight Group is presenting its 'Press Play' Open Day eventsat Eight Group HQ in Nottingham on 24th June (Media Day) and 25th June(Customer Day). For more details and to register for the event visit: www.eightgroup.co.uk/about-us/press-play