Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc. has announced a new label press, the AccurioLabel 400. As the company accelerates its presence in the label, packaging and embellishment markets, the new machine will target mid- to high-volume label converters, commercial printers and large brand owners. The product will officially be available in spring of 2023.

The AccurioLabel 400 is a net-new product allowing customers to expand their businesses in the growing markets of digital label production and packaging. Recently, Konica Minolta celebrated its 1,000th installation shipment for the AccurioLabel digital toner label presses, less than seven years since entering the market.

"We are excited to unveil the AccurioLabel 400 and look forward to continuing to bring label converters, commercial printers and brand owners the high-quality, consistent results they have come to expect from Konica Minolta devices," said Bill Troxil, president of the industrial print and production print business, Konica Minolta. "As indicated by our fast acceleration into the label market with the AccurioLabel 230, we expect the AccurioLabel 400 to provide another perfect opportunity to strengthen our client relationships by helping them grow their businesses."

Important new developments include the ability to expand applications with white toner, extended job opportunities with press runs up to 3000m, improved productivity with super fast print speeds of up to 130 feet per minute, and further running cost reductions thanks to even more durable parts life, as well as enhanced print quality. The AccurioLabel 400 is available in four- and five-color options.

With resolution equivalent to 3,600-by-2,400 dpi, the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 400 single-pass toner production press prints on substrate widths up to 13 inches or 10 inches. Multiple touch-panel monitors in three different areas of the label press enable intuitive operation and is easy to use for operators, eliminating the need for extensive user training. Tasks that were time-consuming on analog machines can be performed quickly and accurately in delivering stable printing quality.

Konica Minolta's Intelligent Quality Optimizer, the IQ-520 will increase usability and automation with the AccurioLabel 400, with label production benefiting from higher levels of control. The Intelligent Quality Optimizer enables real-time control of white toner opacity, color stability control, as well as automatic calibration, density adjustments and profile creation.

"We are constantly rethinking print and helping customers to improve and grow by uncovering ways to intensify experiences for customers, all to secure a bright future for print," said Dino Pagliarello, senior vice president of product management and planning, Konica Minolta. "By adding the AccurioLabel 400 to our broad range of innovative print solutions, we are confident in our ability to grow market share by enabling digital transformation that also includes workflow, software, and process automation and cloud solutions as part of the drive to the smart factory."

In other news, Konica Minolta has announced that CRN has named Laura Blackmer, president of dealer sales, to its 2022 Power 100 list, a subset of influential executive leaders chosen from the annual CRN Women of the Channel list.

The Power 100 list honors some of the most powerful women of the channel, chosen by the CRN editorial team based on their contributions, expertise and channel advocacy. This select group of distinguished female leaders from channel-focused IT vendors has shown incredible dedication and leadership — going above and beyond with unwavering channel commitment — inspiring their peers and driving the success of partners, customers and the entire IT channel.

Blackmer joined Konica Minolta's executive team in December 2017 as senior vice president of dealer sales, and was recently promoted to president of dealer sales. She is responsible for the sales and management of the company's extensive dealer network that represents and sells its award-winning products and managed IT services. Her notable experience includes various roles in both sales and executive leadership within the technology industry. This honor represents Blackmer's fifth time on CRN's Women of the Channel list. She is also a three-time honoree of CRN's Channel Chiefs list and a member of CRN's Women of the Channel Senior Leadership Forum.

"It's always such a great honor to be recognized on CRN's Women of the Channel list," Blackmer said. "This award represents our continued investment in our dealers to be the best partner we can. We look forward to a great year with new programs to support their growth and advancement through digital transformation."

"Laura's constant dedication to channel excellence is inspiring, and we are so pleased to see her hard work recognized," said Sam Errigo, president and CEO, Konica Minolta. "She continues to guide our dealers in the right direction for forward progress, supporting them to explore new ways to achieve success and grow their businesses. Congratulations to Laura and all the 2022 CRN Women of the Channel."

"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."