BURNABY, BC—Westkey Graphics has expanded its digital roster from two Xerox Color 800 presses to four. The new machines were installed at plants in Alberta and B.C.

The two locations were part of Westkey's acquisition of Menzies Printers last year. "It made sense for us to upgrade some of their gear, so we got two more Xerox colour presses to add to our firepower," said president and chief executive officer Alfie Karmal.


Xerox 800 digital press

"My strategy is to grow the digital side of the business as well as other sides," Karmal said. He describes Westkey's initial move into digital as an "economics-based decision," citing small offset jobs that would cost the company more than it could sell them for. "Digitally, you can still make a few bucks," he said.

The company is also currently looking to purchase a digital label press later this year to complement its flexo capabilities. "I'm looking at digital as a distinct market. I'm not looking for one to take over the other," Karmal said.

Westkey's other two digital Xerox machines were purchased in 2010 and are housed at its main manufacturing facility in Burnaby.

Westkey Graphics is part of the Stern Group of companies and has been in business for more that 50 years. It is one of the largest print providers in Western Canada with clients across the country and a few in the U.S. It has locations in Burnaby, Kelowna, Edmonton, Calgary and Grand Prairie.