U-Bix sees 15% increase in revenues to P2.3B this year

MANILA, Philippines - Office and printing solutions provider U-Bix Corp. expects its revenues to rise 15 percent to reach P2.3 billion this year from about P2 billion a year ago as it is set to rollout new technologies this year.

U-Bix founder and chairman Edilberto Bravo said in a press conference yesterday the company is set to introduce at least two new technologies this year: 3D (three dimension) printing and amateur photography, to add to its existing range of equipment and services.

“The new products could add P300 million to total revenues for the year,” he said.

He noted that 3D printing is seen to cover a lot of applications such as in architecture for landscape designs, as well as in dentistry for replication of dentures.

As for amateur photography, the firm intends to launch products to allow the printing of photos within eight to 15 seconds.

Bravo said the company also expects revenues to grow next year as they take on more contracts for the conversion of analog to digital files.

He noted that the company has been tasked by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to convert certificates of land ownership award.

As many government offices and private firms still have analog files, he said the company sees potential in the business.

“More people now want to convert their files as they see that going digital will allow them to save on people and on space,” he said.

He added that the digital conversion business is seen to generate P700 to P750-million worth of revenues for the company by July of next year.

He noted that while the machines are available, getting people to manage the digital conversion business is a challenge as it requires specific knowledge and skill set.

In 2007, U-Bix acquired Kodak Imaging Center which engages in the conversion of analog to digital files.

Bravo said the company likewise intends to get more business partners to expand the product and service range.

Among the company’s partners are Konica Minolta, Okamura and Riso Kagaku.