Print professionals from Australia and New Zealand explore Canon’s latest technologies, meet customers, and discover the potential of the new Colorado XL-series.
Seventeen senior print service providers from Australia and New Zealand recently joined Canon for an exclusive multi-day customer experience across the Netherlands and Germany. Bringing together professionals from the commercial print, large format graphics, display, and packaging sectors, the event offered participants an in-depth look at Canon’s technology portfolio, innovation strategy, and customer success stories. Many attendees were existing Colorado M-series and Arizona users, with a clear interest in the new Colorado XL-series.
The experience began at Canon’s Customer Experience Center in Venlo, where visitors received an overview of Canon’s production print portfolio, vision, and future ambitions. Dedicated technology sessions gave customers the opportunity to explore both the Colorado XL-series and the varioPRESS iV7 in greater detail through live demonstrations and interactive discussions with Canon experts.
Colorado XL-series takes center stage
While attendees discovered a broad range of Canon production technologies, the Colorado XL-series was the highlight for many participants. Designed to build on the success of Canon’s UVgel technology, the Colorado XL-series is engineered to help print service providers increase productivity, expand application possibilities, and improve operational efficiency.
To demonstrate the real-world impact of the platform, visitors met with customers already investing in the technology journey. A visit to Holbox in Roermond provided valuable insights into how UVgel technology supports demanding display and packaging applications. Participants were able to see firsthand how high-quality output, production reliability, and versatile media capabilities can support business growth in competitive markets.
The following day, the group travelled to another long-term UVgel customer in Amsterdam, a well-known player in the sign and display industry and one of the early Colorado XL-series customers.
Particularly impressive for visitors was the combination of advanced print production and innovative workflow automation. The customer showcased how artificial intelligence is being used to optimize pre-press processes, reducing preparation work that previously required two weeks to just 30 minutes. The presentation sparked many discussions about the role of automation and digital transformation in the future of print production.
Innovation built in-house
Another important theme throughout the event was Canon’s commitment to developing core technologies in-house. Participants visited manufacturing and ink production facilities, where they gained a deeper understanding of Canon’s ownership of key technologies, including ink development, printhead technology, R&D, and lean production processes.
For many attendees, seeing this vertically integrated approach was a genuine eye-opener. Customers highlighted the value of working with a technology partner that controls critical components of the production ecosystem and continues to invest in innovation across its portfolio. They also welcomed Canon’s strategy of building future solutions upon proven technologies such as UVgel and water-based polymer pigment ink.
A brief look at commercial print innovation
Alongside the large format program, attendees also had the opportunity to explore the new varioPRESS iV7 digital press. Commercial print professionals received dedicated demonstrations and customer references, gaining insights into Canon’s latest sheetfed inkjet developments. With the iV7 generating strong interest among commercial print providers, the Colorado XL-series was the main topic throughout the event due to the significant opportunities it offers for large format graphics producers seeking higher productivity and sustainable business growth.
Strong customer response
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Customers appreciated not only the opportunity to experience Canon technologies firsthand, but also the chance to engage directly with existing users and industry peers. Several attendees described the program as both informative and inspiring, highlighting the openness of discussions and the practical customer insights shared during the visits.
Perhaps the strongest endorsement came from the market itself: by the end of the event, two customers ready to become the first Colorado XL-series installation in Australia and New Zealand. This level of enthusiasm clearly demonstrates the market potential of the platform and reinforces growing confidence in Canon’s UVgel technology roadmap.
As print service providers continue to seek new ways to improve efficiency, diversify applications, and strengthen profitability, the Colorado XL-series is proving to be a compelling solution. Through events such as this, Canon continues to connect innovation with real customer success, helping businesses prepare for the next chapter of large format printing.