Aarque Graphics brings Agfa Anapurna to New Zealand

Aarque Graphics and Agfa look to promote Anapurna range of print engines and consumables in New Zealand.

Already underway, the deal gives Aarque Graphics exclusive distributorship of Agfa’s Anapurna range of commercial UV flatbed/roll-to-roll inkjet print devices and consumables to the New Zealand marketplace from 1 May.

According to Steve Taylor, inkjet business manager for Agfa Graphics' Oceania region, Aarque was chosen for its ability to provide Agfa with the best exposure to the marketplace.

“They have great credentials and can offer us excellent national coverage and reach,” Taylor said, “they mirror what we try to do in the marketplace.”

Taylor noted that he had witnessed a significant increase in worldwide demand for large-format print products, along with commercial UV flatbed/roll-to-roll print devices.

“There is a clear trend towards UV inks in this context,” he said. “Both developments underline the fact that we backed the right horse when we devised our inkjet product strategy.”

Jason Bult, business development manager for Aarque Graphics, believes the new partnership will provide a solid foundation of experience and expertise for both existing and new Anapurna customers.

“The combined strengths of the Agfa and Aarque Graphics brands, in terms of product capability, affordability, specialist technical expertise and a nationwide sales and service network delivers a formidable solution that assists customers in gaining that elusive competitive advantage,” he said.

Trans-Tasman Synergies at PacPrint
Looking ahead to PacPrint in May Agfa's regional marketing manager, Garry Muratore, views the trans-Tasman partnership as a integral cog in Agfa's PacPrint machine.

"PacPrint 09 marks an important milestone in regard to our product mix as approximately 50 per cent of our stand will be dedicated to the Anapurna range," he said.

Agfa remains the largest pre-press vendor at the show with a stand of over 650m2 and will showcase a range of CTP, environment, workflow and inkjet solutions. "Having Aarque work with us on the stand means the many New Zealand visitors will be able to talk with a range of consultants from Aarque and Agfa knowing that follow up and technical support upon return to New Zealand will be treated as a priority," Muratore added.

Agfa plan to showcase a range of Anapurna devices that offer a broad range of speeds, resolutions and applications. "Obviously the Anapurna Mv which utilises a spot varnish will be demonstrated as this was a major draw at last year's drupa. We also will show applications on the Anapurna XL2 and we hope to announce a few surprises closer to the show opening," Muratore said.

PacPrint will take place at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from May 26th until May 30th. Agfa Graphics can be found at stand C10.