Katun, the new printer OEM
September 17, 2024
Katun launches Arivia line, expands into the OEM printer market.
Katun Corporation, a well-established player in the aftermarket for office equipment, has made a significant strategic move by entering the competitive printer market as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Kuoying Wang, the Katun CEO, officially launched its new Arivia brand on September 17, in a company first virtual press conference, marking its first step into producing multifunction printers (MFPs). This shift indicates Katun’s ambition to expand its market presence and tap into new opportunities in the office printing sector, a space dominated by established OEMs.
The Arivia programme will begin its European rollout in the first week of November, starting with the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. This phased launch is expected to strengthen Katun’s presence in key European markets, offering businesses access to Arivia multifunction printers that promise advanced security features, customizable options, and cost-effective solutions. For a company that has operated in over 124 countries and served more than 8,000 customers, this move represents a natural evolution aimed at capturing new market share.
The Arivia product line is designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, featuring 11 multifunction printer models built on four distinct engine families. The lineup includes six colour models and five monochrome models, with print speeds ranging from 25 to 65 pages per minute (ppm). This broad range positions Arivia to meet the demands of a wide variety of customers, from small businesses to large enterprises.
All models come equipped with customizable colour touchscreens and advanced scanning capabilities, including dual-sided, single-pass document feeders (DADF). Higher-end models, such as the Arivia C4155 and M4155, offer scan speeds of up to 160 ppm, making them ideal for high-volume environments.
Additionally, Arivia MFPs boast smart technology, including proximity sensors that activate the machines as users approach, as well as light notifications to remind users of uncollected documents. Energy-saving features, such as smart detection capabilities, help conserve power and reduce costs.
Katun has placed a strong emphasis on modularity and customization in the Arivia series. The MFPs come with flexible paper input and finishing options to meet various operational needs. For example, models like the Arivia C3135 and C3145 feature high-capacity feeders that can increase input capacity to over 6,000 sheets. Monochrome models, such as the M3145, offer tandem tray modules, boosting sheet capacity to 3,200. Finishing options like stapling, hole-punching, booklet-making, and folding allow the Arivia line to cater to a wide range of professional environments, from corporate offices to print shops.
Wireless connectivity is another key feature across the Arivia range. All models support Wi-Fi Direct, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print technologies, allowing users to print seamlessly from mobile devices without the need for complex network configurations or additional adapters. This flexibility enhances the user experience and provides businesses with modern solutions to meet their evolving needs.
Katun’s experience in the aftermarket sector is reflected in the dealer- and technician-friendly design of the Arivia series. The printers feature a unified design with clear visual cues to facilitate easy maintenance. End-users can easily replace toner cartridges, drums, and waste toner containers, reducing the need for frequent technician intervention. The devices’ clean internal layout simplifies repairs, and many components can be serviced with minimal tools, making them a dealer’s ally when managing large fleets of machines.
Security has been a top priority in the development of the Arivia range. The devices come equipped with TPM 2.0 chips, IP address filtering, and secure print capabilities, all of which help protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, the Arivia MFPs feature standard SSD encryption and comply with WPA3 wireless security protocols, ensuring that data integrity is maintained throughout the printing process.
Katun has ensured that its Arivia models meet global industry standards, achieving certifications across major markets. In the U.S., the devices are FCC and Energy Star compliant, while European models meet UKCA, CE, and WEEE standards. Mexican certifications, including NOM for energy consumption, are currently in progress, further extending Katun’s reach into international markets.
Our take on this: With the launch of Arivia, Katun has positioned itself as a disruptor among the OEMs and is set for significant growth, offering an attractive alternative to established OEMs. Its diverse product range, focus on dealer and end-user convenience, and advanced security features make the Arivia line a strong contender in a fast-evolving industry. What Katun has, that most OEMs don’t, is a global network and strong relationships with independent dealers that give it a unique advantage as it seeks to capture market share in the MFP segment.
More news about Katun to follow.
Categories : World Focus
