Second Xerox Iridesse Helps Arkansas Shop Progress

Bill Buddenberg has been very happy with his in-plant’s Xerox Iridesse digital color press.

“It will do things that other machines just won’t do,” praises the director of Printing Services at the University of Arkansas Little Rock (UALR). He points to the Iridesse’s silver, gold, and clear specialty dry inks, which his shop has used to great effect on university recruitment materials.

So when the in-plant struck a deal to bring in even more external work, Buddenberg knew exactly how to handle the increased workload: get another Iridesse.

Tony Liemke changes dry ink cartridges on the new Xerox Iridesse digital color press at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. | Photo by Benjamin Krain

In late April, the five-employee shop installed its second Xerox Iridesse, this one featuring fluorescent pink specialty dry inks and in-line Plockmatic trimming, square folding, and saddle-stitching capabilities.

“That is the perfect match for a university,” he praises, noting that the specialty colors make UALR’s printed recruitment pieces stand out from others at college fairs, where potential students are browsing myriad tables of literature.

“How do you get the attention of a 17-year-old?” Buddenberg asks. “The Iridesse does that because you can print something that will get their attention.”

He praises the image quality coming off the digital press, recalling a gardening piece the shop recently printed.

“The front cover … is nothing other than pictures of fruit and vegetables,” he says. “You look at that cover and you feel like you could just reach out and grab that apple and take a bite out of it.”

To help university designers take full advantage of the Iridesse’s capabilities, Buddenberg invites them into the shop to talk through their ideas and print test pieces. Seeing their designs on paper lets them evaluate the results, make adjustments, and discover new ways to use the Iridesse.

Bill Buddenberg looks at a proof coming off the new Xerox Iridesse digital color press. He plans to retire later this year from the University of Arkansas Little Rock. | Photo by Benjamiin Krain

One reason the in-plant needed the additional press was an influx of work from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, which closed its in-plant and routed its work to Buddenberg’s shop. UALR Printing Services was already taking in work from the Arkansas Department of Transportation, which chose UALR’s shop because of the efficiency of its digital storefront. Overall, Buddenberg says, about 60% of his shop’s work comes from outside sources.

The university’s support for a second Iridesse reflects the confidence it has in the in-plant. Buddenberg says that trust comes from his staff’s consistent ability to deliver quality work on time.

“The five people that we have now produce more printing than the 10 people that we had 13 years ago,” he says.

The trust the in-plant has built with the university is paying off in other ways as well. UALR plans to refurbish Printing Services’ facility in the coming months, removing walls to create more room and updating the building’s appearance.

“It implies that the university has made a commitment to the print shop,” Buddenberg says.

This shop upgrade and the new Iridesse are fitting final acts in Buddenberg’s career as he prepares Printing Services for a future without him. He plans to retire later this year.

“I’ve spent my whole life in this industry and I love it,” he proclaims. “It’s never dull. Every day is something new.”