A print assembly (14) for a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer (10) includes an elongate carrier (187) that is mountable on a support structure (12) of the printer and is positioned an operative distance from a platen (106) of the printer (10). A number of printhead chips (186) are provided in a number and configuration such that the printhead chips define a printing zone (120) between the carrier (187) and the platen (106), the printing zone (120) having a length of at least 36 inches (914 mm). Each printhead chip (186) is of the type that incorporates a plurality of nozzle arrangements (210) and being in the form of a micro electromechanical system to achieve the ejection of ink from the nozzle arrangement (210). Control circuitry (190) is positioned on the carrier (187) and is operatively connected to the printhead chips (186) to control operation of the printhead chips (186).