Xerox Returns to Cut-Sheet Inkjet: What the IJP900 Means for Mid-Volume Print
Xerox’s New Inkjet Press Signals a Strategic Comeback – Xerox has announced its new IJP900 Inkjet Press, marking a return to cut‑sheet inkjet printing after the company’s earlier exit from that arena. This high-speed color press is positioned for mid-volume production environments, signaling a strategic re-entry into a growing segment. The move comes amid industry shifts – including consolidation among suppliers and increasing demand for flexibility and shorter run lengths – that are pushing more work toward digital print solutions. Below we explore what Xerox’s latest launch means for the mid-volume inkjet market and its implications for print service providers.
Xerox IJP900 – A Strategic Re-Entry
The Xerox IJP900 is a color cut-sheet inkjet press rated at up to 146 letter-size pages per minute, designed to handle monthly volumes in the high hundreds of thousands. Xerox has positioned this device squarely for mid-volume production printing – the space between lower-end toner presses and high-end continuous-feed inkjet systems – where demand for digital inkjet capability is accelerating. Key features include broad substrate support (papers from 52 gsm up to 360 gsm), automated printhead maintenance, and a Fiery-powered print server for color management, all aimed at delivering high productivity without requiring special infrastructure in the shop.
In launching the IJP900, Xerox is making a notable strategic pivot. The company had previously shuttered its Baltoro inkjet platform and withdrawn from in-house inkjet manufacturing, but it now returns via a partnership with Kyocera Document Solutions. Rather than build a new engine from scratch, Xerox is leveraging Kyocera’s proven cut-sheet inkjet technology and integrating it with Xerox’s own FreeFlow workflow software and service ecosystem. This collaboration allows Xerox to re-establish a presence in the fast-growing inkjet segment with lower development risk, while Kyocera gains a broader channel for its technology. The IJP900 will make its public debut at the PRINTING United Expo (October 22–24, 2025 in Orlando), underlining Xerox’s intent to court print service providers with an early look at the machine in action.
Mid-Volume Inkjet Market Impact
For the mid-volume inkjet market, Xerox’s return is a sign that this segment has truly come into its own. Demand for mid-range production inkjet is “expanding quickly,” as Xerox’s team noted, thanks to print buyers seeking faster turnarounds and cost efficiency on jobs that outgrow small toner machines but don’t require a full-scale high-volume press. By re-entering, Xerox validates the growth of this niche and brings a heavyweight brand back into a field that had been dominated by a few players. The added competition could spur innovation and give print providers more choices, potentially driving all vendors to deliver better performance and economics in the mid-volume class.
However, Xerox’s re-entry also comes with some baggage. Industry observers remember the mixed results of Xerox’s previous inkjet forays – earlier cut-sheet models like the Brenva HD and Baltoro struggled with consistency in quality, media flexibility, and uptime, and were ultimately discontinued. Coupled with Xerox’s exit from long-standing toner platforms (such as the flagship iGen series), these moves left some customers wary of the company’s commitment to production print. Gaining back trust will require Xerox to prove that the IJP900 – backed by Kyocera’s stable engine – can deliver on its promises over the long haul. If the new press demonstrates reliable performance and Xerox provides strong support, it could credibly serve as a mid-volume workhorse and help Xerox reclaim share. If not, cautious print businesses may stick with incumbent solutions that have proven track records.
Market Trends Driving the Move
Xerox’s strategy with the IJP900 also reflects broader shifts in the print industry. The sector has seen notable consolidation and realignment among manufacturers – for example, Xerox completed its acquisition of Lexmark earlier in 2025 to expand its global footprint and product portfolio. Such moves show vendors seeking scale and complementary strengths, and the Xerox–Kyocera partnership similarly indicates a trend of collaboration to address market opportunities. Fewer (but stronger) players are now focusing on key growth areas like production inkjet, which can streamline offerings but also heightens the competitive stakes in those segments.
At the same time, demand patterns in commercial print are changing. Print buyers increasingly require shorter runs, faster turnarounds, and more personalized content – trends that tilt the economics in favor of flexible digital presses over traditional offset. The mid-volume segment is benefiting from this shift: printers want equipment that can economically produce high-quality output on a just-in-time basis, without the lengthy setups and large volumes that offset printing demands. The rise of on-demand direct mail and transactional printing (applications explicitly targeted by the IJP900) exemplifies how lower run lengths and variable data jobs are becoming mainstream. In this environment, a mid-volume inkjet press fills an important gap by handling these jobs more efficiently than fleets of lower-volume devices, but with less upfront cost and infrastructure than a super high-end press.
Implications for Print Service Providers
From a print service provider (PSP) perspective, Xerox’s inkjet comeback offers both opportunities and cautions. On the upside, PSPs now have an additional supplier in the mid-volume inkjet class, which could lead to more competitive pricing and service as vendors vie for their business. Many print providers are already charting a course toward greater digital production; over a quarter of PSPs in a recent industry survey said they don’t plan to buy new offset presses, intending to transition fully to digital in the future. For those looking to upgrade from toner-based systems or add capacity for growing personalized print workloads, a device like the IJP900 presents a new option to boost throughput and lower cost per page – without leaping straight to a continuous-feed inkjet line that might exceed their needs.
That said, printshop owners and CEOs will be measuring Xerox’s promises against their own experience. They will look for assurance that Xerox is in it for the long haul this time, since no shop wants to invest in a platform that might be abandoned. PSPs will also scrutinize whether the IJP900 delivers on key operational needs – consistency of output, ability to handle a wide range of jobs and substrates, seamless workflow integration – which are critical for the mix of short-run, on-demand jobs prevalent today. If Xerox can back the IJP900 with reliable performance and strong service support, it stands to earn a place in mid-sized print operations looking to scale up their digital capabilities. Otherwise, many will stick with incumbent solutions until Xerox proves itself. In the end, any new press must show it can improve a PSP’s flexibility and profitability in a market that demands both.
Closing Thought: Xerox’s return to cut-sheet inkjet with the IJP900 underscores the importance of the mid-volume segment in today’s market. It’s a move that blends technical innovation with a need to rebuild confidence. Print providers and industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on whether this new press delivers as advertised – and whether Xerox’s gamble will energize the mid-volume market or simply raise the bar for everyone involved.
Sources
Xerox Investor News Release – “Xerox Returns to Cut-Sheet Inkjet with the New IJP900 Press” (September 2025)
https://investors.xerox.com/news-releasesPRINTING Impressions: “Xerox Partners with Kyocera on New Cut-Sheet Inkjet Press” (September 2025)
Quocirca Print Industry Predictions 2025 – Trends in AI, consolidation, and digital transition.
https://quocirca.com/content/predictions-2025FESPA: “Top 10 Trends in Print to Watch in 2025” (2025).
https://www.fespa.com/en/news-media/top-10-trends-in-print-to-watch-in-2025WhatTheyThink: “Offset to Digital Migration Accelerates in 2025 Market Data Report.”