Presstek hints at larger DI presses (21.01.08)

Presstek says it is working on future DI (digitally imaged) offset presses that are larger than its current 46 cm and 52 cm models. “We will have larger formats in 18-24 months,” said CEO Jeff Jacobson, speaking at a pre-Drupa press conference in Dusseldorf. “We will have stop-gaps before then, and we are discussing 68 to 74 cm.”

Although he wouldn’t give any more details, it should be noted that Ryobi, which makes the print units of the 46DI and 52DI for Presstek, already makes conventional unit presses in 68, 74 and 90 cm plate sizes.

Other companies have made larger format DI presses in the past, though only Heidelberg shipped significant numbers, with its B2 format Speedmaster 72DI (which used Creo imagers and Presstek plates). Asked why he thought that Presstek could succeed where better-known companies have failed, Jacobsen said that Presstek was fully committed to DI technology and they were not.

He also cited falling run-lengths for offset colour jobs – an InfoTrends survey says that most new print business is in the “DI press sweet spot” of between 250 and 5,000 copies, with falling demand for 10,000 copies and above. Environmental awareness is also favouring the Presstek DI and CtP technology, he said, pointing out that Presstek’s process has always been entirely chemistry-free at the imaging stage, and most of its plates are waterless on the press too. “Print providers are using the no-chemistry Presstek systems as a key differentiator in their sales argument when in competiion with other printers,” he claimed.

Jacobson said that Presstek is aiming to expand its share of the offset litho plates market, setting an ambitious target of 10%. Currently on-press DI presses and plates bring in about half the $265 million revenues, with off-press CtP plates and platesetters accounting for about 20 to 25%, Jacobson says – the remainder is the “traditional” polyester plates, platesetters and pressroom supplies business from Presstek’s acquisition of AB Dick in 2004.

Jacobson noted that new management had joined the company recently. “They did not join continue to run the $265 million company we are today,” he stated. “We will build our business from $265 million to much more. Two thirds of our business is within north America. In the wider printing industry, two thirds of the printing industry is outside North America, so we want to grow there.”

Contact: www.presstek.com

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