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February 10, 2005

SAN DIEGO PRINTER ADDS KPG DIRECTPRESS 5634 DI SYSTEM TO EXPAND SUCCESSFUL DIGITAL PRINT BUSINESS

Sales at IPS Printers up 600 percent since offering digital printing in 2002

Norwalk, Connecticut, USA - When Ian Barrow bought IPS Printers in 2002 he knew that with the right equipment, the San Diego print shop could fill a major void in the area for digital printing. He was right. In the two and a half years since Barrow installed his first digital press, IPS Printers has grown from two to 12 employees, and increased sales by 600 percent.

“I saw an opportunity for digital in San Diego because it is a very traditional printing town, with most printers using older technology,” said Barrow. “Over the past two and a half years, I have remained ahead of my competition by installing the latest digital print technologies.”

Now, Barrow looks to expand his successful business by tapping into the benefits of another digital printing technology, direct imaging (DI). After a thorough examination of various DI presses, Barrow installed the Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) DirectPress 5634 DI System. IPS is the first printer in San Diego to offer customers the advantages of a KPG DirectPress System.

“The KPG DirectPress 5634 DI System allows us to offer our clients longer four color print runs against shorter deadlines because we are able to turn over jobs so efficiently,” said Barrow. “I researched several DI presses but was most impressed by the color capabilities of the KPG solution.”

The new KPG DirectPress 5634 DI System combines industry leading image quality with the simplicity and automation of a DI Press. The KPG DirectPress 5634 DI System further enhances efficiency through the new Kodak Polychrome Graphics DirectWorks Suite, KPG’s first workflow software. The DirectWorks software streamlines operations by automating prepress activities such as pre-flight, correct, trapping, imposition, approval and ripping. Powered by DirectWorks, the KPG DirectPress 5634 DI System supports 16-micron dot diameters for 300 line AM and Hybrid screening.

Barrow has an impressive track record of success with digital printing. Prior to moving to San Diego, Barrow owned London Digital Printing in the UK, where he succeeded at providing top of the line digital printing to customers such as design studios and advertising agencies. When he sold the company in 2000, it had grown to include 75 employees with annual sales of $10 million.

“In London, I was always at the cutting edge of technology,” Barrow said. “When I first arrived in San Diego, I found the digital technology that was such a success in London wasn’t available here. Since purchasing that technology for IPS, I’ve been able to offer customers digital printing services and all of the benefits that come with it.”

IPS Printers has served the San Diego area for 25 years, offering customers commercial and now digital printing services. The company works primarily with agencies, design studios, architectural companies, book publishers and clients in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Barrow plans to continue the company’s growth, adding eight more employees and reaching $3.5 million in sales within the next three years. For more information, visit www.californiacommunity.com/businesses/ips.htm.

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 plate products, digital halftone, virtual, inkjet, and analog proofing products, digital printing applications, color workflow tools, 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 further information please contact:
Beth Hogan Scott
Kodak Polychrome Graphics
Director of Corporate and Worldwide Marketing Communications
Norwalk, CT
203/845-7115 (phone) 203/845-7173 (fax)

Michael Doebler
Eric Mower and Associates Public Relations Services
585/389-1868 (phone) 585/385-2003 (fax)

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