Heidelberg bites back as Kodak walks away from its five-year exclusive plate partnership in Australia and New Zealand. Heidelberg was sent its marching orders in January, but claims the split has been on the cards for some time and points the finger at Kodak "product issues" losing business for the German offset press manufacturer.
In a statement Richard Timson, Heidelberg managing director, said, "Kodak were aware that over the last few years after entering into chapter 11 there were a number of product issues, causing concern to Heidelberg's customers and for Heidelberg a significant degree of frustration and ultimate loss of custom."
Timson goes on to say that conversations were already underway with Fujifilm in 2013. Upon receipt of Kodak's termination notice Heidelberg opted to progress these arrangements ultimately signing the new distributor agreement in February 2014.
"We are delighted to be partnering with Fujfilm in the best interests of our customers and look forward to transitioning our clients to the Fujifilm plate products after July 1. We have a very loyal customer base that experience the day to day support only Heidelberg can give. Many clients have indicated that they will stay with us, after all we have a full solution to offer customers, not only top performing Fuji plates but a full range across all consumables and equipment," said Timson.
In the Kodak camp, managing director Steve Venn maintains that move will make the graphics company's offset plate business more competitive. According to Venn, Kodak is already actively engaged with its customers with good numbers signing new direct contracts.
Venn also highlights the value of an end-to-end solution, saying, "Bringing distribution back in-house for our sheet-fed offset customers allows us to maximise the opportunities to provide total solutions that span the production gamut, from printing and workflow solutions, to hybrid printing options and colour management. We already work very successfully with our web customers in this capacity so it makes good business sense to do the same with the sheet-fed segment."
It remains to be seen how many will brave the transition, now the second major plate change Heidelberg has called on printers to make since it dropped Agfa for the Kodak deal in 2010. As the plate price war starts to heat up, Agfa managing director Mark Brindley welcomes the opportunity get into the game and win over conflicted customers. Agfa has just launched its new Azura TU chemistry-free thermal plate system, which Brindley claims has already snapped up some of the competition.