printer-friendly version

For Immediate Release
May 3, 2004

KPG AND SCREEN USA PARTNER ON CO-BRANDED CTP AND WORKFLOW SOLUTIONS

KPG sells a platesetter a day in the US&C during March

Norwalk, Connecticut, USA - Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) and Screen USA, two partners with a proven track record of helping their customers succeed, are building an even better partnership. After selling 31 Screen platesetters during the month of March, KPG has announced an agreement under which KPG now offers co-branded KPG/Screen CtP and workflow solutions to customers in the United States and Canada.

Under the agreement, which is retroactive January 1, 2004, KPG markets, sells and supports the following Screen thermal platesetting devices: PlateRite 4100 and 4300 4-up platesetters; PlateRite 8600, 8000II and 8100 8-up platesetters; the PlateRite Ultima series of large-format platesetters for 4-up and larger commercial printers and package printer output applications. In addition, KPG will offer the associated tools and workflows, including the Trueflow PDF workflow for CtP production. With the agreement, KPG becomes the largest distributor of Screen labeled products in North America.

"KPG's experience in prepress and in the pressroom puts us at the hub of customers' operations. With this agreement, we now offer even more solutions that make it easier and more profitable to own and operate a CtP system," said Rick Mazur, Vice President Marketing, United States and Canada, KPG. "KPG is committed to supporting our customers as they transition through digital workflows, from CtP, to direct imaging offset presses to digital printing."

"At Screen, the focus is on providing products that enhance our customers' productivity and profitability by maximizing the use of digital technology," said Mike Fox, Vice President of Sales, Screen USA. "To this end, we pursue mutually beneficial business relationships that help reduce the time and costs associated with the integration process. Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as KPG, we are able to provide a high level of quality and reliability. We are impressed with KPG's commitment to work with us to help accelerate the adoption of thermal CtP and integrated workflow solutions."

In addition to its success with Screen platesetters, KPG has also experienced strong demand for its other equipment solutions, including the Kodak Polychrome Graphics Newsetter system, the thermal CtP platesetter system for the newspaper industry, and the Kodak Polychrome Graphics DirectPress 5034 DI system, a four-color, two-page direct imaging press which is ideal for commercial printers, trade shops and digital service bureaus.

About Screen (USA)
Screen (USA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyoto, Japan-based Dainippon Screen Manufacturing Co., Ltd., is a leading supplier of advanced output equipment and workflow solutions for the graphic arts industry. From its centrally located headquarters facility just outside of Chicago, Illinois, Screen (USA) provides complete sales, parts and service support through direct sales representatives and dealer networks in principal geographic areas. Its diverse line of integrated products includes workflow management solutions, thermal platesetters, desktop imagesetters, digital printing systems, flatbed scanners, hybrid AM/FM screening technology, color proofing applications and digital asset management software. Screen technology benefits commercial printers, packaging printers, newspaper publishers, trade shops, in-plants and service bureaus in every state, plus Canada and all of Latin America.

For more information, please visit Screen's website at www.screenusa.com.

About Kodak Polychrome Graphics
Kodak Polychrome Graphics provides one of the broadest portfolios of digital, conventional and business solutions available in the graphic arts industry today. Products and services include a wide range of computer-to-plate and conventional lithographic and flexographic plate products, digital halftone, virtual, inkjet, and analog proofing products, digital printing applications, color workflow tools, storage solutions, business solutions and Kodak branded graphic arts films. With headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA, KPG serves customers around the globe with regional offices in the United States, Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific and Latin America. Additional information regarding Kodak Polychrome Graphics may be found on the company's website: www.kpgraphics.com.

For more information contact: