Osmonics was using a variety of outdated copier, printer, and fax equipment, which was becoming very costly for the company to maintain. When Joan Lee, Manager, Administration Services, reviewed the many invoices coming across her desk for service and supply costs, she knew it was time to look for a comprehensive solution for their output needs. Joan began a nine month process to develop a more cost effective and productive solution. She began by taking readings of all copiers, printers, and facsimiles throughout the facility, surveying many internal employees, and creating an expectations summary for each department. She compiled her findings and contacted seven vendors to provide proposals. Part of Osmonics’ expectations from a vendor was to provide output devices with fax/print/scanning features and networking capabilities. Upon review, they narrowed the process down to two vendors and selected Marco as their preferred vendor of choice. “We originally heard about Marco because of our current IT relationship with them,” commented Joan. “Marco came highly recommended from Toby Keeler, our CIO. Marco also offered us a very competitive deal.”

On average, Osmonics was paying about 13 cents per copy and ran about 950,000 copies per year. With Marco’s solution of 15 new Sharp digital copiers, they now pay only 3.3 cents per copy, saving them $95,000 each year. By networking the copiers, Osmonics was able to eliminate 25 printers and relocate the new units for maximum efficiency. After personally meeting with each department to determine copy volume and needed features, Joan went back to discuss and recommend an equipment solution to fit their needs.

“I don’t believe there was anyone who was not satisfied with the new solution,” commented Joan.

Four of their units have scanning features so they can store their documents digitally for emailing and faxing. Marco’s Managed Account Program allows them to upgrade units with new features as needed at no additional cost. Many heavily used units are exchanged with less used units within departments to keep them functioning efficiently.

Osmonics also purchased two Sharp color copiers from Marco. Joan said, “We create proposals for customers that are sometimes worth several millions of dollars. We needed to change the whole format of our quotes to portray a more professional image to our customers. Color is so powerful—the proposals that go out to our customers now are awesome!” Osmonics has already made 36,000 copies on the Sharp color copier they purchased just a year ago and an additional 56,000 copies on the unit installed two years ago.

Marco also provided copy solutions for Osmonics’ Wisconsin, Washington, and California locations. Joan went through the same process to determine their needs and Marco provided solutions to meet those needs. Osmonics’ Milwaukee, Wisconsin, facility was also able to eliminate 21 printers by networking the Sharp copiers.

Marco’s installation team installed Osmonics' 15 Sharp digital copiers and trained the staff at their Minnetonka headquarters in just three days, setting up three to four units at one time and then providing training for those units. According to Joan, “Marco’s installation and training staff was wonderful. They played a huge role in the setup and training. Our expectations were definitely met. And the trainers come in and provide follow-up training as we need it.”

“For the first year and a half, I met with Steve Gau, our Marco Account Representative, every three months to review the number of jams and number of service calls for each unit,” said Joan. “Things are going so well, that now we only review this every six months."

When asked about Marco’s ongoing service, Joan replied, “John Hewitt, our service technician, is the best guy in the world! He is awesome! I think Marco’s service and support is awesome. And you have a great IT department for backup.”

“Marco provided a great solution and has nice people. I was just on the phone with another company the other day for over a half hour recommending them. I’m very happy with Marco!”

Osmonics is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of high technology water purification and fluid filtration and handling equipment. A $207 million dollar company, Osmonics employs approximately 1,250 people, with manufacturing facilities in six states and regional headquarters in France and Thailand. Osmonics’ corporate headquarters occupies a 30 acre site located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with approximately 610 employees.