EFI AND AGFA TEAM UP IN WIDE FORMAT

Wide-format print solutions developers EFI and Agfa are in a new partnership, which will see them sell some of each other’s systems.

The deal will see Agfa sell EFI roll-to-roll systems under its own colours, while EFI will do the same with Agfa’s hybrid printers. They will both use their own front ends, so Agfa machines wil be available with Fiery rips, while Agfa’s version of the EFI printers will be sold with its Asanti workflow. They will each use the proprietary inks of the other for the respective machines.

First stage in the new partnership includes Agfa adding the 5m-wide EFI Vuteks – the Q5r and Q5r+ to its range, while EFI will sell and support two 3.3m-wide Agfa Jeti Tauros – the H3300 HS LED and the H3300 S LED. More printers may follow. There is no word on potential co-development in the future.

The project will be officially launched at the Fespa Global expo next month. Primary motivation for the deal comes from each manufacturer wanting to expand their market in areas the other is traditionally strong, with Agfa in Europe, EFI in the USA.
Here in ANZ, the EFI range is now sold through Currie Group, while Agfa’s wide-format solutions are distributed through the new version of Agfa, which has divested its previous plates, CTP, workflow and chemicals business to a new company ECO3, with Phillip Burns heading the Agfa business here.

Paul Whitehead, business unit manager – Sign & Display, Currie Group, said, “Currie Group is excited by this announcement as it further enhances the product portfolio we offer the Sign & Display market. Agfa’s hybrid portfolio has a strong reputation and allows us to further target the commercial space, leveraging our long-standing customer relationships and renowned service and support.”

Currie Group has quickly established itself as a leading supplier of wide-format print solutions; with EFI, Canon and now Agfa in its portfolio.

Arnaud Calleja, vice-president Digital Printing Solutions at Agfa, commented: “We are thrilled to be partnering with EFI. By integrating their roll-to-roll platform into our sign and display offerings, we are poised to deliver an exceptionally diverse product range with unprecedented value to our customer base. At the same time, we can both maintain a dedicated focus on product innovation within our respective specialised domains, ensuring our technologies remain at the forefront of digital print transformation.”

Frank Pennisi, CEO of EFI, stated: “For thirty years, EFI has focused on the analogue to digital conversion of high-value print applications. EFI and Agfa are the most trusted brands in the industry, and we now have the ability to accelerate our customers’ digital journey and make them even more productive. We are excited for this next chapter and the ability to leverage the strengths of both organisations to move the industry forward.”