HotPaper Online, a chain of sophisticated print, copy and design stores, was launched in Johannesburg in September 2002 by industry expert, Alby Masters.
The early success of the Fourways operation near Monte Casino led to the launch of a second franchise in Birnam, Johannesburg, in June this year. Four flagship stores (one in each of the country`s major centres) and 40 satellite franchises will follow before mid-2005.
Masters, a strategic advisor to HotPaper Online, says: "Our core proposition is the provision of high speed, high quality copy and print solutions, as well as advertising related creative design services, at competitive prices. To truly bring our proposition to life, HotPaper Online realised it needed a few, very strategic, business partnerships. The first of these has now been closed with Gestetner South Africa."
Over two decades in the industry, which included the successful launch and development of two similar operations, has left Masters with intimate knowledge of local and international suppliers. He says: "Worldwide, visual communications centres like HotPaper Online have been switching to Gestetner for approximately two years now. This is because, in recent years, Gestetner has made enormous strides in the technological advancement of its mid- to high-volume multifunctional copiers and printers without sacrificing speed, reliability or price.
"As a result," Masters continues, "I installed a 10512 multifunctional black and white multifunctional copier in the Birnam franchise. It impressed me so much that, with my expansion plans in mind, I immediately approached Gestetner with a proposal for a strategic alliance. I`m also currently investigating Gestetner`s colour copier and printer solutions."
Says Michael Stanley, marketing manager of Gestetner SA: "The 10512 is ideal in central reprographics-type environments. At 105 pages per minute it is capable of high volumes and its output is doubled when two machines are networked to run in tandem. Most importantly, its print quality is close to lithographic standards at 1 200dpi. It is also a very flexible machine which allows HotPaper Online to service their primary audience - large and medium enterprises - while retaining the ability to make single copies for clients who may walk in from the street."
In addition to high volume digital black and white and colour printing and copying, HotPaper Online offers standard and large format colour digital printing and traditional full colour litho printing. Masters says: "One of the services currently attracting the most attention is the self-service facility for digital black and white printing. It allows clients to access our equipment via the Internet so as to remotely run their print jobs at any time of the day or night."
Stanley concludes: "HotPaper Online is a new generation print shop built in answer to a very real market need. We`re delighted to be their strategic partner and look forward to a partnership that will see both businesses thrive well into the future."
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