In a deal that will reportedly save the University of British Columbia some $8 million over six years, the Vancouver-based school of higher learning has announced a $40 million print services partnership with Xerox Canada (Xerox Global Services) to manage its print services.
“Initial benefits include consistent, affordable and reliable campus-wide printing and document production capabilities" says Pierre Ouillet, UBC Vice President, Finance, Resources and Operations in a prepared release. "The objective will be to deliver cost savings and productivity improvements directly to the faculties, departments and students at UBC.”
UBC also anticipates that efficiency improvements will lead to reduced energy consumption and carbon footprint emissions.
Xerox As part of the print optimization plan, Xerox will be developing a near site document production facility for high volume print requirements.
"In our experience, higher learning institutions want to find solutions that are operationally efficient and can meet the demands of students, staff and faculty but be environmentally responsible," says Jim Muzyka, vice president, Xerox Global Services Canada. "UBC needed more than just a vendor. They wanted a partner who could work with them to meet all the requirements of their various stakeholders."
This program sounds reminiscent of the seven-year agreement the University of Calgary entered with Xerox Global Services in 2006, also designed to optimize the university’s print production. That partnership involved centralizing the school’s high-volume production as well as adding new services including wide format printing and thesis binding. Xerox also became involved in the University’s external relations assisting with graphic design and creative services in support of the school’s marketing communications and advertising efforts.
