From Concept to Creation: Collaborating With Canon Production Printing

Having worked with hundreds of fantastic businesses and organisations over the past 15 years, it’s always a privilege to work on exciting and pioneering projects. But it’s rare to experience a partnership that not only grows but evolves to continually push the boundaries of creativity and technical innovation. The journey with Canon Production Printing has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career to date, and I’m proud to reflect on it as we continue to build on the foundation we’ve established. 

How it started… 

It all began with a recommendation – the catalyst for what would become a pivotal collaboration. 

Around a decade ago, we worked with Richard Turner at Arrow County Supplies here in Shropshire. Later, when appointed to Sales and Marketing Director at Océ, he put Reech forward and gave me a call when the company was seeking a partner to design and develop a groundbreaking platform. 

At the time, Océ was a recognised leader in the printing world, posing a huge opportunity for the agency. And with a background in design, it was also a poignant personal achievement for me too, as the prospect and possibility of combining creativity with such cutting-edge technology was something that truly resonated. 

In May 2019, members of our Senior Leadership Team and I travelled to the Netherlands to deliver our pitch, competing against top agencies from across Europe. It was a challenge – no doubt – but one we were eager to embrace. Little did we know, this was the beginning of one of the most significant partnerships in our agency’s history to date. 

How it shifted…

What followed was a game-changing shift. In the midst of this, Canon Production Printing acquired Océ, injecting a wealth of investment, unlocking greater opportunities, and introducing fresh perspectives. This wasn’t merely a merger – it marked the beginning of something monumental, expanding the scope of what we could achieve overnight. 

Canon’s bold vision for the future of printing opened doors for more innovation, larger-scale projects, and a more integrated approach. It felt like the perfect fit for our agency – and so we entered the second (and final) pitch hungrier than ever! 

How it came to life…

Winning the contract was a defining moment for the agency. It wasn’t just a business victory, but a validation of the hard work and creativity we had invested in the pitch. Our relationship with Canon Production Printing quickly became more than just a typical client-agency dynamic – it became a true collaboration. 

The initial concept was simple, but that was all it was: a concept. It was our responsibility to bring that idea totally to life – design, develop, and deliver a world-first platform that would serve as arobust and reliable resource for professionals across the industry. Our team devised a detailed strategy, transforming a mere hypothesis into a tangible reality. 

After much hard work and determination, in 2020 graphiPLAZA was unveiled: a bespoke-built worldwide knowledge-sharing platform. 

Our technical specialists created an innovative destination for Canon customers to search, share and communicate. With integrated APIs and personalised profiles, members can find and download collateral, access media, and explore Canon’s centralised library of user and technical documentation. 

Since its launch, the platform has seen a 79% increase in website users year-on-year. But, in an industry built upon creativity, ambition, and innovation, we remained committed to continuous improvement. By harnessing feedback, we pushed the platform to new heights, sparking a natural evolution of the site and introduced graphiPLAZA 2.0 in November 2024.  

graphiPLAZA has become an essential component of Canon Production Printing’s digital ecosystem, and it’s been remarkable to watch its growth.

How it’s going…

Looking ahead, we’re committed to further evolving graphiPLAZA. Industry requirements, user feedback, and market demands continue to drive our innovation, pushing us to refine and expand the platform. Our goal is to create a flexible and reliable solution that not only meets today’s needs but can adapt to the changing landscape of the printing world. 

In the coming months, we’ll establish a roadmap to guide this next stage, ensuring graphiPLAZAremains a valuable resource for industry professionals for years to come. 

Reflecting on the journey so far, I feel a deep sense of gratitude:

• For the opportunity to collaborate with the exceptional team at Canon Production Printing

• For the trust and respect they have shown us over the years

• For the technical excellence, expertise and pioneering spirit of the Reech team

• And for the chance to contribute to the growth of an industry that has always inspired me. 

This journey isn’t just about business success; it’s about mutual respect, innovation, and the power of collaboration. That’s what has made working with Canon Production Printing not only a proud achievement for our agency, but a personal milestone for me as well. And we’re just getting started. 

If you’re looking for a team to collaborate with, to push boundaries with, and to support with a pioneering project, then get in touch at: hello@robhughes.co.uk.