Agfa Graphics and Shenzhen Brothers inform that the joint venture Agfa Graphics Asia, announced at the beginning of this year, has gone live on September 1, 2010.

Agfa Graphics announced today that the Baesman Group, a single-source provider for marketing strategy, multi-channel execution, direct mail, and fulfillment, reports an 18 percent reduction in ink consumption since adding Agfa's :Apogee InkSave to its prepress workflow nearly a year ago. Baesman, based in Hilliard, OH, has offered high levels of quality and service since the company was formed in 1952, specializing in, among other things, retail signage print production. The downturn in the economy forced Baesman to take a hard look at its operation and find any and all areas where money could be saved without sacrificing the high quality that its customers had come to expect. The company chose InkSave for several reasons: ink cost savings, faster drying times and automation of ink application.

Agfa Graphics announced today that the company is a Platinum Sponsor of the 2010 SGIA Expo. Agfa has backed the annual event in recent years but increased its 2010 contribution to further expand the support of educational, research and business needs of users of digital technology. The 2010 SGIA Expo is being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center October 13th-15th.

Agfa Graphics announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase the assets of the Harold M. Pitman Company, a leading US supplier of prepress, industrial inkjet, pressroom and packaging printing products and systems. The Pitman Company acquisition substantially increases Agfa Graphics’ revenue in the US to more than $500 million. The incremental EBIT contribution is expected to be well in line with Agfa Graphics’ global 7 percent target. After the closing, Agfa expects further growth of its US top line resulting from the combination of expertise available in both companies. Agfa also expects strong synergies to be delivered from the consolidation of sales forces and the reduction of G&A expenses.

Agfa Graphics today announced that Unit Safety Signs (USS), a large Japanese company specialising in the design and manufacture of safety signs and products for the safety industry, is able to handle shorter run lengths and expand its media assortment thanks Agfa Graphics' Dotrix digital UV inkjet press. The company, which has been operating since 1968, has seen the market for safety signs growing in recent years, and the competition getting tougher and tougher.

Agfa Graphics announced today that the company has teamed up with the International Sign Association (ISA) for “The Future of Inkjet” webinar being held Thursday, July 8th, 2010 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm (EDT). “The Future of Inkjet” webinar will be an interactive discussion on the latest trends in the marketplace. The discussion will also highlight the availability of growth opportunities via inkjet technologies such as textile printing, POP/packaging, interior design, retail applications and more.

Agfa announced today that Signs Now (Marietta, GA), a sign and graphics franchise shop, has increased turnaround time and experienced an influx of new accounts and repeat business since purchasing and installing the :Anapurna M4f from Agfa Graphics in the fall of 2009. Signs Now produces outdoor and indoor posters, exhibit graphics, vehicle graphics, magnet signs and more.

Agfa Graphics (Hall B2, Stand 240), today announced the latest enhancement to its award-winning :Jeti AquaJet direct dye sublimation printer. The 3.2m :Jeti AquaJet printer is showcased at FESPA 2010, with the latest generation of aqueous-based disperse dye :AquaJet Pro inks, powered by DuPont™ Artistri® ink technology. They produce brighter, more vibrant colours and deliver faster throughput on polyester based fabrics.

Agfa announced that StylePrint, one of Australia's leading screen printing companies has purchased its second :M-Press Tiger. This comes only five months after the Melbourne-based company installed its first.

Agfa Graphics announced today that Huston Patterson, a packaging printer specializing in labels and top sheets, has been able to cut chemistry consumption and substantially reduce energy costs since transitioning to :Energy Elite.

The latest addition to Agfa's portfolio of wide-format digital ink-jet printers introduces LED curing technology for the first time on a UV-curable 2.5 m flat-bed and roll-fed platform. Agfa Graphics' Anapurna 2500LED incorporates many of the company's established technologies with advanced refinements to make it a high quality, cost effective solution for print service providers, display producers and sign-makers.

Agfa announced today that Cowan Imaging Group of Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) has logged over 7500 hours on its :Jeti 3150 system and expects to do more. Founded in 1945, this family-owned company has transitioned from a small, two-person shop to a leader in screen printing and digital graphics with over 100 employees. Today, Cowan Imaging Group produces everything from decals, transit shelter advertisements, billboards to fleet signage and more.

This year's FESPA sees Agfa targeting the wide format market with the world-wide introduction of the flatbed/roll-to-roll :Anapurna M 2050. Combining the productivity of two of the existing machines in this family with a new 2,05 metre width, this new UV-curable printer also benefits from white ink printing and the company's latest M-series G2 inks, which are designed for applications on the latest rigid and roll materials that demand more flexibility.

The Packaging Association of Canada (www.pac.ca), LYFT Visual and Agfa Graphics announced today that their Digital Print Seminar, a co-sponsored venture held on June 1, 2010, exceeded expectations and ushered in full-capacity attendance.

Agfa Graphics announced today that J.F. Moore Communications of Toronto, ON has successfully transitioned to Agfa’s :Azura TS chemistry-free plates.

UV inkjet printing system provides flexibility, speed and cost benefits, including easy repurposing of packaging graphics into signage and display materials

Agfa Graphics announced today that the company will be demonstrating its JDF-based workflow automation and integration solutions, including :Apogee Prepress and :Apogee Portal, at the 2010 IDEAlliance + IPA Technical Conference and EXPO. The EXPO runs June 7-8 and is being held at the Westin O'Hare Hotel, Rosemont, IL.

Agfa Graphics announced today that Lawrence Robinson has joined the company as District Business Manager. Robinson will be responsible for sales management of Agfa’s traditional graphic solutions as well as :Dotrix Modular, a wide width industrial web press.

Agfa Graphics announced today that Nustream Graphic, a leading full-service dealer, has inked a deal to distribute Agfa’s industry-leading prepress solutions. Nustream Graphic is a diverse company that is comprised of knowledgeable industry professionals with hands-on technical and sales experience.