Uxbridge, May 20 2010 – The Co-operative Group, the UK’s fifth largest retail organisation, has selected Xerox to manage the print fleet across its head office complex in Manchester, including nearly fifty Xerox ColorQube 9200 series multifunction systems, in order to limit the environmental impact of its print and reduce costs.  The deal is valued at circa £2m.

Xerox will work with the Co-operative to introduce an enhanced print strategy supported by specially tailored software designed to reduce unnecessary office print. The move is expected to save the Co-operative an estimated £600,000 per year. 

The retail giant has been widely recognised for its commitment to the environment, winning a number of high profile accolades for its environmental and sustainability policies. This latest move will see Xerox manage 100 print devices that serve in excess of 2,500 head office staff across seven head office buildings in Manchester.

Through continuous management of the print environment and device consolidation, Xerox will reduce the Co-operative’s print volume while simultaneously limiting the organisation’s paper and ink usage. Xerox will also back up the Co-operative’s commitment to developing sustainability practices by using tools such as Xerox’s sustainability calculator, to help monitor and reduce energy use by up to 20 per cent.

To further support its commitment to responsible printing, the Co-operative will install Xerox ColorQube 9200 series multifunction systems, the world’s first high-speed solid ink multifunction system. The system uses Xerox’s proprietary solid ink technology to lower the environmental impact of office printing. The cartridge-free design generates 90 percent less supplies waste and reduces the effects of manufacturing and transportation on the environment.

Kevin Foley, resource and planning manager at the Co-operative Group said: “This deal brings with it two major benefits - it means major cost savings for our business and at the same time, it helps our environmental agenda. Thanks to the advanced functionality which the multifunction systems will provide, we anticipate a reduction in our printer numbers from over 700 to 100 devices, ensuring consistent standards in output in addition to the improved sharing of resources across the estate.”

Peter Romaine, director and general manager, Xerox Global Services, Xerox UK said:”The Co-operative is renowned for its ability to create profit responsibly and we are pleased that Xerox is able to contribute to this strategy. The Co-operative implementation is a clear demonstration of best practice in addressing print environment challenges. The Co-operative is set to reduce print volumes significantly, the financial cost of print and the environmental impact of its printing. It is a superb example of what can be achieved when the print environment is reviewed and managed responsibly.”