Individual Océ researchers maintain numerous relationships with leading scientists and institutes across the world. Our R&D operations in both Venlo in the Netherlands and Poing in Germany play an active role in national bodies relevant to our activities. In the Netherlands, for example, we are actively involved in the Dutch Polymer Institute and the Embedded Systems Institute, where we support research, education and knowledge sharing. We are engaged in open innovation projects with universities and specialized companies to ensure our innovation capacity and creative environment is fed with new technologies and proces innovation.

We are engaged in partnerships not only for fundamental research but also in aspects of product development, enabling us to considerably reduce the time to market for a number of new products and product enhancements.

We limit our in-house production of hardware to strategic products, selected consumables such as toners, photo conductors, etc. and a limited assortment of coated media. All other hardware, components and peripherals are sourced from carefully selected suppliers, a number of which are also involved in the development of the parts they supply.

 

Working in close cooperation with all our partners we are able to anticipate changes both in regulations and technology. We demand the same high norms and standards with respect to sustainability from our suppliers as we apply to its own activities so our customers are assured that the Océ approach will be applied to all aspects of our products.

In order to be able to offer a complete package of printing solutions in all relevant markets, we complement our product portfolio with best-in-class products supplied by OEMs. Where such products are sold under the Océ label we vouch for their quality, safety and sustainability. In addition our own service staff provides the full technical support.

 

The peripherals we select also conform with the same requirements we apply to our own products. The very high-volume printers in particular are often active in a complete production street with pre- and post-processing equipment. In such cases it is essential that all the components in the mechanical and software configuration are in tune with each other. That is why, we select a limited number of OEM partners whose products meet the highest standards, who use an open architecture, are able to deliver worldwide and can guarantee continuity.

Océ is represented in over 90 countries worldwide and in more than half of these this is via independent local distributors and resellers. These partners are selected according to rigorous criteria to ensure they fully reflect the Océ brand image. Some of these partnerships go back several decades and our close working relationships, together with a continuous monitoring and support program ensure that standards are never compromised. We also advise and help our partners in developing their business.

 

In 2006 we developed our International Partner Program aimed at strengthening relationships with partners most critical to Océ’s success. The program includes the possibility of gaining certification to qualify for increased benefits. In 2007 the Partner Program is being extended to include the US, the UK, France, Italy and Germany.