WEST CALDWELL, N.J., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment, today announced that they have joined the NAPL Member Advantage Discount Program, a national pricing program offered by leading industry suppliers to members of the Association. Currently an Associate member of NAPL which includes NAQP and the R&E Council of NAPL, Ricoh's participation in this program is a step toward increased commitment to the Association and its membership. NAPL, the Association for the Business of Print offers its members management resources and support which lead to unparalleled sales and operations results.

NAPL's integrated approach to supporting a wide variety of members and partners is similar to that of Ricoh's Production Printing Business Group (PPBG), which recently launched several new products and solutions designed to meet various customers ranging from commercial to quick printers. A relatively new player in the production print space, Ricoh's PPBG will benefit from increased awareness through its elevated membership. In turn, NAPL can now offer its members direct access to national account pricing on Ricoh products and services, as well as access to Ricoh experts who can offer guidance on industry-related issues, leading to improved efficiency and success for member organizations.

"NAPL has played a vital role within the print industry for three-quarters of a century and we're dedicated to providing solutions that meet the needs of our members. We're thrilled that Ricoh has responded to a growing need of digital solutions from the membership," said Christina Ciurej, director, Member Services for NAPL. "With an increased emphasis on digital solutions, we are pleased to have Ricoh's participation in our Member Advantage Discount Program, a highly-valued member benefit."

While NAPL members vary in terms of size and type, they approach each supplier partner with a similar goal -- identifying the best tools to find the best solution. By adding Ricoh PPBG to its list of supplier partners, NAPL can now offer members new products and specific solutions to meet their needs. The recently launched Ricoh Pro 907EX/Pro 1107EX and Pro 1357EX Digital Imaging Systems will especially resonate with several NAPL members due to its high productivity, versatile finishing and durability.

"Ricoh has been an Associate member of NAPL for quite some time, and we felt the timing was right to increase our support of the Association and its membership as we recently announced several new products and solutions," said Carl Joachim, vice president of marketing, PPBG, Ricoh Americas Corporation. "NAPL is a natural partner for PPBG in particular because, instead of focusing solely on print products, we both are committed to identifying a focused, integrated solution for our customers."

Ricoh's PPBG will immediately activate its support of the NAPL Member Advantage Discount Program by participating in NAPL activities such as the upcoming Owners Conference in Austin, Texas taking place October 29-31.

Please visit www.ricoh-usa.com/ppbg for more information on PPBG and www.napl.org for more information on NAPL.

About NAPL

NAPL, the National Association for Printing Leadership, is a not-for-profit business management association representing companies in the $120+ billion commercial printing and graphic communications industry in North America. NAPL's comprehensive slate of business-building solutions provides company leaders with the management tools they need to make informed business decisions in an ever-changing market environment. The association also handles administration of NAQP, the National Association of Quick Printers, which specializes in the unique concerns of small printers nationwide, and the industry's Research and Engineering Council, which is dedicated to manufacturing technology and productivity improvement issues. For more information on NAPL or its affiliated associations visit www.napl.org or call (800) 642-6275.

About Ricoh's Production Printing Business Group

The Production Printing Business Group (PPBG) of Ricoh Americas Corporation is dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art, high-speed production systems that provide efficient document workflows with high-volume production printing and finishing. Incorporating superior engineering, service, reliable technology, and extensive software and finishing options, PPBG helps production centers to cost-effectively modernize and streamline their operations to meet today's rapid turnaround and high-quality demands.

Ricoh Americas Corporation, founded in 1962, is headquartered in West Caldwell, NJ and is a subsidiary of the $20 billion Ricoh Company Ltd., the 73-year-old leading supplier of office automation equipment.

Information about Ricoh's Production Printing Business Group can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.ricoh-usa.com.

Ricoh Web Site: www.ricoh-usa.com

    CONTACT:    Linda Montefusco                    Rebecca Maas
                Ricoh Americas Corporation          Peppercom
                (973) 882-2172                      (212) 931-6162
                linda.montefusco@ricoh-usa.com      rmaas@peppercom.com

SOURCE Ricoh Americas Corporation