Epson has announced the sale of its one hundredth SurePress inkjet digital label press. The hundredth unit was installed by Kanae Co., Ltd., based in Nagano, Japan.

Epson launched the SurePress L-4033A in October 2010, steadily raising the product’s performance on the basis of ongoing discussions with customers, and building up a strong sales and service network worldwide. In December 2012, Epson increased sales further after launching the SurePress L-4033AW with white ink. Sales have steadily accumulated and the 100 units sold to date have contributed to Epson’s current market share of approximately 10%. (Based on a survey by Epson of units sold in 2013.) SurePress achieves magnificent color reproduction on a wide variety of label substrates due to Epson’s Micro Piezo inkjet technology and soluble inks. It has also been praised by customers for its usability, easy maintenance and its stable printing quality. The company reports that as many as 20% of its SurePress customers have purchased two or more units.

One of the first installations in North America was at Gilroy, CA, USA-based Creative Labels Inc. “We have been using the Epson SurePress L-4033A digital label press for nearly a year and a half now, and we have been incredibly happy with both the vibrant, high-quality labels we are able to produce, as well as the exceptional service that we’ve received,” says Chris Martin, vice president and co-owner. “We’ve had customers come to us that tried printing complex labels using a competitive digital press, only to have color and consistency problems. Using the Epson SurePress, we are able to print those labels with ease. SurePress helps us deliver a high quality product to our customer, and when our customers are happy, we are happy.”

Eisuke Shimoyama, Epson’s general manager responsible for sales and marketing of industrial solutions, says the company will launch a new model that includes a print head using PrecisionCore technology. “We are committed to contributing to the profitability of our customers’ businesses,” he says. “Going forward, our aim is to expand our market share and lead the digitalization of the printing industry.”