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Fujifilm Factory Strengthens Paper Chain, Showcases Innovation
BPI News reports on what happened when a group of the UK’s leading pro labs visited Fujifilm’s impressively vast photographic paper manufacturing plant in Tilburg, Holland, witnessing the manufacturer’s innovations first hand and discovering silver halide technology alive and well.
Back in July/August 2017, BPI News reported on an initial visit by some of the UK’s leading pro labs to Fujifilm’s impressive 150-acre paper production plant in Tilburg, the Netherlands. Now another similar group from the UK photo trade has made the pilgrimage to the same site to bear witness to where the likes of Fujifilm’s Crystal Archive Photographic Paper is developed and produced, the media of choice for professional and hobbyist photographers due to the reverence for its exceptional quality and archival properties.
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Inspired by innovation: Experts from UK pro labs were wowed by the level of expertise and knowledge displayed by Fujifilm
The idea of the trip over to Holland was to provide Fujifilm’s customers with an insight into the manufacturer’s production methods and product development, allowing them to see first hand how the innovations they are offered – and in turn deliver to their customers – take shape. With the behind-the-scenes hard work showcased, as we learnt last time, one emerging and quite staggering fact is that the Tilburg site produces the photo paper on which over a third of the prints made worldwide are output. “It’s been fascinating to see all the processes used to manufacture Fujifilm photographic papers and to actually meet with the manufacturing team,” acknowledges Andy Ford, master printer at Brighton’s Spectrum Photographic. “It was very reassuring to witness so much technology, knowledge and innovation, particularly for digital C-Type printing.”
Dressed in mandatory white overalls and blue hard hats, visitors were further reassured by Fujifilm’s obvious commitment to producing high quality products, which the experts at the UK’s independent photo labs can combine with their own vast knowledge and skill sets to deliver stunning prints for their customers, time after time.
And, not only does Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe BV produce a range of high quality photo papers, offset plates and membranes at the Tilburg plant; it additionally has its own research facilities where the development takes place – enabling it to continue to innovate even as exciting new products are already being introduced to the market. Visitors were able to preview in person some exciting innovations scheduled for the future that could soon be available for them to utilise in their own photo labs.
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
It’s obvious that was indeed a unique opportunity for the invited group. As well as seeing Fujifilm’s manufacturing and production processes, invitees to the Tilburg Manufacturing and Innovation Hub, like Andy, were able to learn from the extensive technical knowledge of the experts who operate at the facility.
“This visit was an enormously valuable insight into the extensive high quality innovative processes that Fujifilm makes possible,” enthuses Sean Mulcahy, Large Format Print Manager at London’s renowned Metro Imaging. “Many of us were commenting that the extensive technical knowledge of photographic papers production and innovation is highly reassuring.”
Plant life: Fujifilm utilises a whopping 150 acres at Tilburg to produce its papers
He adds: “The manufacturing and Innovation Hub demonstrates Fujifilm’s continued commitment to our labs and their development – and we appreciate having such a high level of expert knowledge and support behind us.”
In short the trip provided a valuable opportunity to cement relationships, and for those who base their businesses around the quality of Fujifilm product to be able to see first-hand how much goes into the manufacturing process and to share the news about the exciting plans that will ensure knowledge and expertise in printing remains at the heart of professional and hobbyist photography for many years to come. All of those who made the trip to Tilburg came away enthused and inspired, and now it’s the turn of their customers to reap the benefit of the considerable investment and development that is currently going on in the depths of that cavernous Fujifilm plant in Holland.
To learn more about how Fujifilm Print Services can help advise, inspire and improve your own business and turnover, get in touch with Marketing Manager Gloria McCann now on 01234 572138 and visit www.fujifilmphotoservices.co.uk
