Heidelberg chops and changes plate supplier for the second time in five years. The German offset press manufacturer cools with Kodak and switches to rival graphics provider Fujifilm, leaving printers with a choice tipped to spark a plate price war.
From July 1, 2014, Heidelberg will be sole distributor for Fujifilm plates and products in the Australian and New Zealand market. Fujifilm will continue to supply its own customers directly. The announcement comes hot on the heels of a global partnership between the two companies late last year, collaborating on Heidelberg's inkjet printing platform. Heidelberg has not confirmed whether or not the decision was made locally.
Heidelberg previously held plate deals in the local market with Agfa, before signing up as exclusive distributor for Kodak in January 2010. The 2010 deal covered all of Kodak's consumables, workflow solution and CtP equipment catering for the commercial sheet-fed market. The exact nature of Heidelberg's ongoing relationship with Kodak has yet to confirmed.
A Heidelberg spokesperson has said the decision is "in line with the global alliance" announced last year, and that "Fujifilm's range of printing plate products encompasses the entire gamut required for the Australian and New Zealand market offering."
Mark Brindley, managing director, Agfa, voiced concerns that the split could potentially trigger a plate price war in the market.
"For Agfa this is an opportunity. If the switch forces customers out there to contemplate a change, it's an opportunity for us to talk to them. Our thermal portfolio continues to evolve, Agfa is investing in R&D and has a strong infrastructure. We've just launched a new product in the region and just converted a significant Fuji site in Brisbane to our new Azura TU range," said Brindley.
Local distributor Ferrostaal is also making a name for itself in the plate market, bringing in Huaguang plates from China. According to Rayne Simpson, general manager, Ferrostaal, its strategy was unlikely to change in response to the announcement, citing solid headway over the past year.
"We represent a great plate manufacturer, the biggest one in China. We've happy building up a solid customer base that can use it as a cost effective alternative and improve their profits. That's the space we want to be in, and our customers are very happy," said Simpson.
Representatives from Heidelberg, Fujifilm and Kodak were unavailable to provide further comment at the time of publication.