Epson America has announced the introduction of the SurePress L-4733AW water-based resin ink digital label press, delivering improved automation. Additionally, as label converters look for ways to add additional color gamut to labels without increasing price, Epson is adding the SurePress L-6534VW with Orange Ink to its portfolio of UV inkjet digital label presses. These new additions to the SurePress line offer higher levels of print quality, consistency, flexibility and value for label converters, specialty printers and vertical manufacturers.

The SurePress L-4733AW builds on the success of its predecessor, the L-4533AW, to offer advanced automation and unattended printing features, higher productivity on film substrates and an optional inline spectrometer. The SurePress L-6543VW with orange ink, an alternative to the L-6534VW with digital varnish, has a 92% PANTONE coverage certification within Delta E of 1.5,1 using minimum colors to deliver maximum gamut. Enabling reliable and repeatable high-speed printing of up to 2 million square feet per month, it can serve the largest of label converters.  

"Label converters and specialty printers are looking for solutions that are simple and cost-effective to operate and maintain, and can deliver on stable, predictable production," said Mike Pruitt, senior product manager, Epson America Inc. "Epson enhanced its industrial SurePress lineup by adding new capabilities with the L-4733AW and expanding gamut with the L-6534VW with orange ink, which can help businesses save on upfront costs and maintenance. These advancements come without the compromise of simple operation and maintenance, production or print quality."

The SurePress L-4733AW delivers on automation and ease of use. Virtually automatic, requiring no manual cleaning of the printhead surface, the L-4733AW is primed for unattended printing. With the optional SureSpectro AS-4000 inline spectrometer for real-time automated measurements to speed profiling and ensure consistent output for multiplant networks, the L-4733AW delivers accurate spot colors and gradients required for brand-quality color prime labels and packaging. The L-4733AW supports a range of substrates, including off-the-shelf flexo materials, without the need to surface prime. Its inks meet the latest safety standards and regulations, such as REACH, and deliver high-quality images, making it a versatile press ideal for converters focusing on food and beverage and health and beauty labels.

The SurePress L-6534VW with orange ink uses CMYK with standard high-opacity white ink plus orange ink to widen the color gamut using minimum colors required to do so. Incorporating PrecisionCore linehead technology and high-pigment, low-migration LED UV curing ink, the press's center drum system is a space-saving, compact design integrating all of the functions required for production, such as Corona treatment, white ink, web cleaner, ionizer and an additional UV curing unit, all standard. The new model also supports a range of paper and film substrates, offering low running costs.

The SurePress L-4733AW and L-6534VW with orange ink will be available in June 2022.

In other news, Epson America Inc. has announced that CRN has named Debra Merritt, commercial channel marketing manager for North America, to its Women of the Channel list for 2022. This list honors the accomplishments of female leaders in the IT channel. Those named on this annual list come from all corners of the IT channel — including vendors, distributors and solution providers whose vision, expertise and contributions make an impact on the industry every day.

By bringing innovative concepts, strategic business planning and comprehensive channel initiatives to life, these extraordinary women support partners and customers with exceptional leadership. CRN celebrates these women, who are so deserving of recognition, for their constant dedication to channel excellence.

Merritt is responsible for the development, management and execution of channel marketing strategies along with fully intergraded commercial marketing efforts in support of channel partners. She is the liaison and point person for all business printer commercial channel partner marketing needs. Leading with cross-functional team building and relationship management skills across geographically dispersed teams, she successfully supports a hybrid approach to activate sales for Epson partners via virtual open houses and sales enablement tools.

"Epson is committed to the success of our channel partners through supporting recruitment, opening new revenue opportunities and driving demand generation campaigns," Merritt said. "By supporting the deployment of a hybrid sales approach this past year, we have gained more than 250 activated reseller sales representatives and we are dedicated to fostering these new, as well as existing, partner relationships with customized engagement activities to drive sales activation."

Portraying exceptional strategic and tactical field marketing leadership with a track record for leading successful new digital business ventures, Merritt has parlayed business intelligence, demand generation and customer insights into the delivery, coordination and execution of all digital marketing and sales-enablement initiatives that consistently exceed Epson's business printer marketing objectives, netting year over year growth.

"We are proud to once again recognize the remarkable leaders on this year's Women of the Channel list," said Blaine Raddon, CEO, The Channel Company. "Their influence, confidence and diligence continue to accelerate channel success significantly. Their accomplishments will inspire others and we look forward to witnessing their future contributions to the channel."

In other news, Epson America Inc. has announced ENX Magazine has selected three Epson leaders as 2022 Difference Makers. Kimberly Doyle, field marketing specialist, Carrie Fox, director of scanners, consumables and new business initiatives, and Linda Sudderth, North America sales manager for business systems, are being honored by ENX for making remarkable strides to advance the success of their teams and channel partners.

"Given how difficult the past two years have been on many levels, Difference Makers is more important than ever — drawing attention to the individuals who have helped our industry succeed, despite the challenges," said Erik Cagle, editorial director, ENX Magazine and ENX The Week in Imaging. "These three leaders from Epson reflect the hard work, standards and goals to which we all aspire."

More about Epson's Difference Makers:

Doyle has many strengths stemming from her sales background, which makes her an outstanding marketing professional. Joining Epson in 2021, she brings many years of sales experience and a long history of team experience. Doyle's attentiveness, ability to be a team player, sales acumen and deep understanding for what a sales executive needs to be successful, make her a valuable asset to the Epson channel and field marketing team.

Fox has instilled expertise within different business units at Epson over the past 15 years and currently plays a critical role leading product and go-to-market strategy as director of product management for scanners, consumables and new business initiatives. While the 2021 work environment became more dispersed, she was able to continue driving commercial growth while strengthening Epson's scanner leadership position in retail. Fox guides her team with an inclusiveness that values every team member's contribution while also ensuring the voices of Epson customers and partners are heard.

Sudderth is a retail and hospitality industry veteran with more than 29 years of experience. A great example and motivation to her team, especially over the course of the last few years, Sudderth is responsible for the strategy and direction of the OEM, VAR and ISV channels focused on retail, hospitality and financial markets in North America. She is being recognized by ENX for stepping up and taking the initiative to partner with Epson's customers, remaining committed to keeping both her sales team and the customer a top priority.

"The recognition of not only one, but three honorees on the 2022 Difference Makers list is a testament to the great leadership and value each individual brings to their teams," said Tom Versfelt, vice president of channel and commercial sales, Epson America Inc. "While these past couple of years have been unusual, Doyle, Fox and Sudderth's commitment to building successful relationships with our partners and helping them grow their businesses has been uplifting and inspiring."

Difference Makers is designed to honor individuals across the entire office technology landscape, from dealers to manufacturers and every segment that helps service the reseller community. Individuals were nominated based on their invaluable contributions toward advancing and championing the causes of not only their companies, but for their clients and partners as well. This all-inclusive program recognizes not only top-line executives, but also sales, admin and all the staff within an organization.