News

Kyocera Mita America Appoints Graphic Enterprises as Master Distributor of Wide Format Imaging Systems

Fairfield, New Jersey and Canton, OH, March 15, 2004 -- Graphic Enterprises Inc., a leading worldwide value-added solutions provider in the graphics and wide-format printing industry, has announced today that they have entered into an agreement with Kyocera Mita America, Inc., one of the world’s leading document imaging companies.

As the primary Master Distributor for wide-format imaging products, Graphic Enterprises will be responsible for the sales growth and service support to Kyocera Mita dealers and end users in the United States.

“Kyocera Mita America realizes that the market potential in wide format is tremendous. By partnering with GEI we feel that Kyocera Mita America will be able to capture a greater share of the estimated $700 million North American wide-format market,” said Tony Pater, president, Kyocera Mita America. “Our dealers will see an immediate benefit from Graphic Enterprises’ extensive network of North American sales and service personnel, plus their strong industry contacts.”

This business alliance will provide Kyocera Mita America dealers with a broad-reaching, highly experienced North American sales and service support infrastructure that will assist in driving new equipment, service and supplies business opportunities in the growing wide-format imaging segment.

“Kyocera Mita America is the industry leader in enhancing and recognizing excellence in customer service and satisfaction,” said Mark Lewis, chief operating officer, Graphic Enterprises Inc. ”We are honored to be chosen for this critical role and are extremely pleased that our dedication to channel integrity, sales support and service expertise was so valued by such a world-class organization.”

Graphic Enterprises has a dedicated service support group, GEICalGraph North American Service, which boasts a uniquely skilled and experienced force of technicians with expertise in all aspects of wide-format, inkjet, electrostatic, xerographic, thermal and connectivity technologies. During the next few weeks, these technicians will be joined by Graphic Enterprises team of sales managers to conduct advanced workshops in wide-format sales, marketing and service to the entire Kyocera Mita dealer organization.

Kyocera Wide Format Product Information:
Kyocera’s wide format products produce 600 dpi output with speeds of 4 and 6 D size drawings per minute with a low cost of operation. The Company’s wide format systems can copy, print and scan high quality drawings efficiently and cost-effectively. All products come standard with two rolls of media supply with an option to add a third. The print-centric KM-P4845w, KM-P4850w, KM-S4850 scanner and copy-centric KM-4850W wide format imaging products are currently available.

About Graphic Enterprises:
Graphic Enterprises Inc., headquartered in North Canton, Ohio, was founded in 1970 and is a leading worldwide value added solutions provider that consists of product development, distribution, service, and support. The company has separate operating divisions with highly qualified sales, service and support personnel in the office equipment and wide format market segments. A dedicated 3rd party service business unit (GEICalGraph) serves the wide format market that is focused on delivering the highest quality of service and support for its vendors and customers. More information can be found on www.geiworldwide.com.

About Kyocera Mita America:
Kyocera Mita ( http://www.kyoceramita.com ), headquartered in Fairfield, N.J., is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and leading providers of computer-connectable peripherals, including network-ready digital copiers/printers, laser printers, color copiers/printers, digital laser facsimiles, and multifunctional and wide format imaging solutions. Kyocera Mita is a group company of Kyocera Corp., the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of advanced ceramics and associated products, including telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages and electronic components. Kyocera Corporation’s consolidated net revenues totaled $9 billion during the year ended March 31, 2003.

About GEICalGraph
GEICalGraph, the primary and 3rd party service and support arm of Graphic Enterprise, Inc., world headquartered in North Canton, Ohio is a leading provider of on-site service and preventative maintenance services specializing in wide format printing solutions. GEICalGraph North American service operations include 92 field service technicians, customer support call center, component repair and refurbishment facilities, installation, training and worldwide parts logistical and facility management services www.geicalgraph.com.