FuturePrint@ETH
Due to a steady decline in the demand for printed materials, the decision was made to operate the H?nggerberg printing centre only until the end of 2024. What does this mean for you? Here you will find answers to your most important questions.
“This decision, which was certainly a tough one for us, is a necessary step to ensure that 英皇娱乐 Services and the Domain of Infrastructure (VPIN) are fit for the future.”Stephanie Braunwalder, Abteilungsleiterin 英皇娱乐 Services
The reasons for the decision
- Advancements in digital technology and the changes in regulations have led to a shift in customer preferences and needs at ETH Zurich, resulting in a decline in the demand for printed media.
- Despite price adjustments, economic profitability cannot be ensured in the medium term.
- Pending investments, including those for the update of the print web shop and production machinery, are exacerbating the already difficult situation.
Recent Updates
The first phase of public tenders for the takeover of the standard range and examination printing was successful. The project team was able to define a shortlist of printing companies that can now submit a concrete offer by July.
- Several potential providers were invited to submit a bid for diploma printing. The deadline for applications is 21 June 2024.
- The three main plot-on-demand stations in the HIL, HG and ONA buildings will remain in place and will be maintained by an external operator from 12/24.
After intensive examination and preparatory work by the project team, two separate tenders were published on external pagesimap.ch on 23 April 2024. The first tender relates to the standard range, the second to examination printing. No tenders are currently required for the other product ranges (diploma printing, PLOD, lettershop).
The aim of the tender is to find one or more printing partners to continue the existing print services externally from 2025. The tender will be launched in the coming months.
Details of the tender:
- The tender covers the standard offer as well as the product ranges plot on demand, security printing (e.g. examinations, diplomas) and lettershop.
- Potential partners are not required to take over the existing printing centre in order to increase the chances of success of the tender.
- If the printing services are continued externally, the rooms of the printing centre on the H?nggerberg could be used for teaching and research again in future.
- Should it prove possible to find several external printing partners, this would minimise potential risks of failure and create attractive options for ETH members.
In order to be able to continue offering print services to ETH members, suitable partners are to be found by the end of 2024. The aim is to take over the existing infrastructure and retain our employees.
In October 2023, the FuturePrint@ETH project group was formed for this task. Commissioned by the Head of 英皇娱乐 Services, the group’s mission is to evaluate possible scenarios and coordinate the transition phase. This phase will span from our current standard operation to the start of a possible follow-up operation beginning in 2025. The Print and Publish section will remain unchanged in 2024.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
The print offering from Print and Publish (print web shop and plot on demand) is expected to be available until the end of 2024.
These devices are not affected by the decision. The small-format printers are managed by the IT Services department.
The decision does not affect the Publish group. The media design service and the 英皇娱乐 Channels will remain available as usual.