InsideData is First Company in Africa to Install Ricoh Pro VC80000
Tinus Grobler, deputy CEO of InsideData Group
InsideData Group is the first company in Africa to invest in the RICOH Pro VC80000, the newest generation of high-speed inkjet technology designed to meet growing demand for quality, speed and customised printing. The move gives customers access to faster turnaround times, sharper results and a wider range of print options across formats and volumes.
With 1200 x 1200dpi resolution and advanced automation, the new press significantly upgrades InsideData’s print infrastructure, positioning InsideData as a leader in digital print innovation. The investment gives the company greater flexibility to deliver a broader range of commercial work, from personalised direct mail and brochures to books, magazines and short-run print jobs.
Investing in smarter, faster print
“We chose the RICOH Pro VC80000 because it enables us to deliver exceptional value to our customers,” says Tinus Grobler Deputy Chief Executive Officer of InsideData Group. “It’s a powerful platform for high-volume, personalised production with outstanding print quality and faster turnaround times. It also opens the door to new services and formats, giving clients access to premium print solutions that were previously out of reach.”
Designed for versatility and performance, the VC80000 prints at speeds of up to 150 metres per minute, handles media weights up to 300gsm, and offers automated job changeovers to reduce downtime. AI-driven features ensure precise colour and registration control, maintaining consistent quality across every print run.
The system also incorporates Ricoh’s Firefly dryer technology and Smart Start automation, helping to reduce warm-up time and streamline calibration. These enhancements directly improve uptime and allow for faster response to changing production needs, especially in deadline-driven sectors like retail, publishing and financial services, where reliability and speed are non-negotiable.
“The VC80000 is a strategic asset,” adds Grobler. “It enhances our ability to deliver highly data-driven printing at speed and scale. It reflects our long-term commitment to innovation, automation and understanding exactly what our clients need to stay competitive.”
Enhancing the customer print journey
The upgrade significantly boosts InsideData’s ability to service key industries including publishing, retail, finance and education. Publishers benefit from sharper book and magazine outputs, retailers gain the edge with vibrant marketing campaigns, and utility providers can expect faster, more accurate transactional printing. The system also makes smaller commercial print runs more viable for small and medium businesses.
“Clients will see an immediate impact in terms of speed, quality and personalisation,” says Grobler. “We’re offering sharper imagery, richer colours and a faster turnaround, whether it’s for a personalised mailer, a run of yearbooks or a catalogue.”
Sustainable and future-ready
Vaughan Patterson, strategic business development manager, Graphic Communications Group at Ricoh South Africa
Ricoh’s focus on sustainability also aligns with InsideData’s environmental goals. The Pro VC80000 is up to 50% smaller than comparable systems and features energy-efficient components that reduce the operational footprint.
“This is a future-forward investment,” says Vaughan Patterson Strategic Business Development Manager, Graphic Communications Group at Ricoh South Africa. InsideData is setting the standard for what digital print can look like in South Africa. By adopting the VC80000, they’re transforming the way customers think about the power of print.”
Unlocking new possibilities
The addition of the VC80000 allows InsideData to offer an expanded range of services, from tailored direct marketing campaigns to premium-quality publications and promotional materials. It’s a move that builds on the company’s expertise in omnichannel marketing and customer communications.
“We believe print is still one of the most effective ways to connect with people,” says Patterson. “With this technology, we’re helping our clients do more, reach further, respond faster and stand out.”
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Printing Impressions.
