New Japanese press dealer from Singapore to open in Sydney and Melbourne

Industry sources indicate the company is also interested in picking up the vacant Akiyama agency. The new agency will see a renewed emphasis on the two Japanese brands formerly held by Currie & Company (Akiyama) and Agfa and IPP Print & Pack (Ryobi). Akiyama is recognised as an A1 press manufacturer while Ryobi has seen around 10 A2 size two-colour units placed in the past few years.

Cyber was the surprise winner ahead of IPP Print & Pack, which lobbied strongly to win the agency after Agfa indicated it was not interested in renewing. Agfa got the agency as part of its takeover of printing Technologies.

Based in Singapore Cyber already sells Ryobi presses throughout SE Asia. It expects to provide a full graphic arts equipment service including prepress and finishing equipment. According to industry sources Cyber in Australia will be headed up by Bernard Cheong, son of the owner, Herbert Cheong.

The arrival of the new press supplier will add fuel to an already fierce equipment war and the new entrant can expect tough resistance to its initiative.