Graphic Centre print shop will switch to external supplier in 2027

The print shop in the Graphic Centre currently provides a well-functioning and appreciated service. At the same time, the print shop is facing a need for significant investments in new machinery. Against this background, it has been assessed that the choice of an external supplier best supports future financial sustainability, while SDU continues to have flexible access to a wide range of printing services.

After a thorough process, University Director Thomas Buchvald Vind has decided that the printing function in the Graphic Centre will be phased out as an internal function at SDU and will in future be handled by an external supplier found through a tender process. The decision means that the printing will continue throughout 2026 and that an external supplier is expected to take over the printing task in early 2027. It should also be emphasised that the change will not result in redundancies.

Thorough process

Today, the Graphic Centre is part of SDU Communication and provides both printing services and graphic assistance to ensure consistency with SDU's visual identity. The part of the task related to graphic counselling will not be affected by the relocation of the printing function and will continue to be delivered as an internal service.

University Director Thomas Buchvald Vind says:

-It has been a difficult decision. Today, the print shop delivers a high quality service with great satisfaction among users. At the same time, the financial sustainability of the current model is challenged because continuing the printing function will require significant investments in new machinery. The financial perspective has therefore weighed heavily in the overall assessment. It has been important to find a solution that is both financially sustainable in the long term and at the same time ensures users a flexible and reliable service with access to a wide range of printing services.

No change for users

For the users of the print shop, the most important message is that the print shop will continue as before in 2026, and that the transition to a new model will not affect the service level for users. The aim is for the transition to an external solution to be as smooth as possible, and for ordering and delivery to continue to be simple, flexible and secure. When an external supplier is in place in 2027, the ordering service will therefore continue to be organised with a focus on ensuring that users can have materials produced without unnecessary changes to the service they receive today.

The graphic designers continue

The decision concerns the printing function and not the graphic consultancy and design tasks. The graphic designers in the Graphic Design Centre will therefore continue their work to help SDU's employees and ensure that materials follow the university's visual identity. This also means that the graphic expertise will continue to be present when the printing task is eventually handled externally. In this way, SDU maintains internal help with layout, design and brand identity, even when materials are produced by an external supplier.

Follow the process at SDUnet.dk

A site has been set up on SDUnet.dk, where employees will be able to follow the process. Here you will find information about the timetable, FAQ and practical matters in the transition to the new solution.

For the time being, the same applies as today: The Graphic Centre will continue to provide printing services throughout 2026, and graphic consultancy will continue thereafter.

Read more: https://sdunet.dk/en/service/sdu-trykkeri