This is not a complete takeover: Screen stands beside Fujifilm

Dainippon Screen Australia prepares itself for a bold new future, with both Fujifilm and the print on demand market. 

Fujifilm Australia recently acquired the distributorship for Dainippon Screen, a decision that was welcomed by both parties. "We are eager to collaborate with Fujifilm Australia," said Akira Hayaka, managing director of Dainippon Screen Australia. Hayaka asserted that the acquisition did not spell the end of Screen's identity, confirming that it would still continue to sell some products independently.

"This is not a complete takeover; we have space to sell our equipment directly but there are also a lot of synergies between Screen and Fujifilm which will ultimately result in stronger customer satisfaction," he said.

The acquisition now puts Fujifilm in a prime place to compete in the thermal CtP market, according to Peter Carrigan, general manager, graphic systems division. "We now have a good partnership that allows us to be very competitive across the board throughout Australasia," he said.

"A full format ranging from 2-page up to 32-page combined with conventional or processless Fujifilm Brillia Thermal plates will provide an attractive product package."

No Screen staff will lose their jobs as a result of the changes in distribution. Fujifilm staff will go to Japan to receive factory training in Kyoto to keep up-to-speed with Screen's range of technologies. "Further education and training of our staff is a must and all of our engineers will be trained right across the board," Carrigan said.

Carrigan also said that Fujifilm had not yet taken over the service of the large Screen CtP installed base. "A lot of it will be shared at this stage," he said. "It's still early days." However he emphasized that Fujifilm will quickly become the service provider for the complete range of Screen products acorss the range.

Fujifilm isn't the only company that Screen will be working closely with. Recently relocating to the print on demand mecca of North Ryde, NSW was a deliberate decision for the group. "It is a change in strategy, allowing us to embark on the print on demand market more strongly than ever before," said Hayakawa.

"Companies like Fuji Xerox, Canon and Konica Minolta are all located in this area and we would like to collaborate with them closely."