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Following Xerox’s public declaration last year to exit print hardware manufacturing, it became clear that the company would shift toward a more service- and software-centric model. What’s catching everyone’s attention now is the company’s unexpected alliance with Kyocera—a move that adds an intriguing layer to Xerox’s evolving business strategy.
In this new era, Xerox’s intent is to source commoditized hardware while differentiating through its broader software and service offerings. The announcement of a partnership with Kyocera fits into this narrative, but its implications might run deeper…particularly in the context of production inkjet.
Kyocera’s Growing Ecosystem of Inkjet Partners
Kyocera has been steadily expanding its network of partners to distribute its production inkjet devices, particularly the TASKalfa Pro 15000c and the yet-to-be-commercialized TASKalfa Pro 55000c, which debuted at PRINTING United in Atlanta nearly two years ago.
- TASKalfa Pro 15000c: Already being sold in the United States through Ricoh, this now appears poised for distribution through three OEMs. It’s positioning itself as a widely available solution mainly for transactional applications and lower-volume inkjet production print.
- TASKalfa Pro 55000c: With Xerox now entering the ring, this device also finds itself with three major distribution points. Notably, Screen promotes the same engine under the name Truepress JET S320, adding more depth to Kyocera’s network.
This trend underscores Kyocera’s strategic ambition to scale up in the production inkjet market by building a robust partner ecosystem rather than relying solely on direct sales.
What About Baltoro?
Now, all eyes turn to Baltoro, Xerox’s cut-sheet inkjet platform. With Xerox stepping away from manufacturing, questions hang over Baltoro’s future. It seems plausible—perhaps even likely—that the Kyocera-Xerox agreement could lead to deeper collaboration that could potentially integrate Kyocera’s inkjet technology into the Baltoro platform (while still only speculative at this stage, the possibility is worth noting).
Kyocera’s strength in inkjet heads could be invaluable in elevating Baltoro’s performance, especially for higher-quality commercial print applications. If it works such an upgrade could make Baltoro more competitive in the B3 cut-sheet graphic arts segment, directly challenging Canon’s varioPRINT iX series.
From Mid- to High-End
Should the partnership continue to evolve, Kyocera and Xerox could create a compelling product continuum across the A3/B3 inkjet cut-sheet market together.
- Mid-Level: The TASKalfa Pro 15000c serves transactional lower print volumes, some parts of the publishing market, and certain direct mail applications.
- Mid- to Higher-End: The TASKalfa Pro 55000c—together with a re-engineered Baltoro potentially powered by some of Kyocera’s inkjet technology—could address mid- to higher-end digital commercial print demands.
This synergy would allow both companies to address a wider range customer needs while strengthening their place in the market.
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
This development may represent more than just a distribution agreement. It marks a step forward in Xerox’s reinvention roadmap and a smart channel expansion strategy for Kyocera. If executed well, the alliance could yield significant advantages for both companies.
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