Colourgen managing director Jeff Biggs has said business would be "better than usual" for UK Mutoh customers as he moved to allay fears of disrupted production following the manufacturer’s decision to centralise production by moving it from Belgium to Japan.
The Maidenhead company was appointed by Mutoh as its exclusive UK distributor for the company’s range of wide format printing products last month. A deal that extends the existing relationship between the two companies, which began in 2009.
However Mutoh has announced that it will be moving production to Japan as the manufacturer begins to roll out a new range of machines later this year. As a result, more than 120 staff are expected to lose their jobs, leaving just 45 employees at the company's Ostend facility.
According to Biggs, while it has been a busy start to its full distribution agreement with Mutoh, UK customers can rest assured that the service they receive will only improve in the coming months.
He said: "I wouldn't say it is business as usual for Mutoh customers, I would say it's business better than usual. It is sad that there have been jobs lost in Belgium but those positions that remain fulfil sales, support and spare part functions," he said.
"In that respect nothing has changed and backed up with our service levels, Mutoh customers have little to worry about."
The supplier is now gearing up for the expected commercialisation of several new Mutoh machines later this year that include a brace of ValueJet eco-solvent printers.
"Our core role will be to build up the Mutoh brand throughout the UK by basing it on high quality, reliable products and extensive, responsive and consistent service and support." added Biggs.
Elsewhere in Colourgen’s business, Biggs said the focus would be placed on promoting the Epson and Seikon ranges it distributes.
"It is still a challenging market but I expect our financial results to be in-line with expectations come June and I imagine we will post a modest profit," he said. | 
