University of Southern Queensland to offload $1.7 million Fujifilm printing press as part of wind-down of Ellipsis Media

USQ paid an undisclosed sum for a state-of-the-art printing press in 2019. Just two years later, the university is looking to offload it.

Stock images of the Fujifilm Jet Press 750s, which was bought by the University of Southern Queensland in 2019.

The University of Southern Queensland is offloading a state-of-the-art $1.7 million printing press just two years after buying it, as part of a wind-down of its commercial printing operation.

USQ’s Ellipsis Media bought the Fujifilm Jet Press 750s, which was capable of printing thousands of sheets of paper per hour, in early 2019 as part of efforts offset costs for the university.

But now the printing press has been put up for sale through a government tender.

A USQ spokeswoman said it was closing up Ellipsis Media due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, with the sale of the machine part of that process.

“In the wake of COVID-19’s impact on demand for printed products, the university undertook a considered and detailed review of its print and design services,” she said.

Stock images of the Fujifilm Jet Press 750s, which was bought by the University of Southern Queensland in 2019.

“The pandemic prompted the accelerated digitisation and online delivery of the university’s services, leading to significant reduction in internal print and design needs.

“Given the effectiveness of the university’s online delivery, as well as a drop in external industry demand for print and design services, Ellipsis Media will cease business in the coming months.

“We are working with affected staff regarding potential employment implications and to provide ongoing support.”

The spokeswoman said the machine would be sold at a fair market value.

“Purchased in early 2019, the Jet Press 750S was part of an Ellipsis Media strategy of equipment renewal and business expansion based on a long history and projected future of high-end printing requirements,” she said.

“Our understanding is that the current retail price for this equipment is $1.7M, but the price the university paid in 2019 is commercial in confidence as per stipulation from the vendor.

“We anticipate fair market value based on its age and condition.”

The purchase of the printing press was vaunted by Ellipsis Media at the time of purchase, with the company running a competitive neutral model as to support local businesses in the same industry.