AGFA keeps ticking all the boxes
The field of competition in the development of wide-format inkjet printing technology is vast and incredibly fierce. Surviving, and indeed prospering, within its front lines is no easy task. But that is exactly what Agfa Graphics has done.
Friday, 16 Mar 2018 12:14 GMT
Agfa really focused on showcasing the vast creative potential of its print technology, while its Red Carpet event was a stage for its new Anapurna H1650i LED to prove its mettle
Indeed, from its 2017 revenue figure of €893m (£792.9m), 24 percent was generated by its inkjet division. This reporter headed out to one of its Red Carpet customer events with a group of intrepid UK print-service-providers to investigate how it is managing to achieve sustained growth.
Perhaps a good place to start is the words of Stefaan Vanhooren, president of Agfa Graphics: “At Agfa Graphics, we embody print. Print is part of our DNA. We live and breathe it. Relying on 150 years of experience and a truly global footprint, we develop sustainable, cost-effective and integrated solutions for the commercial, newspaper, packaging, sign and display, and industrial printing industries.
“We understand the needs of graphic businesses like no one else. We love to deploy our technology and expertise to create value for you, so you can grow your business in a profitable way.”
We understand the needs of graphic businesses like no one else”
His passion is evident, and so was that of the Agfa team over the two-day event at its headquarters in Mortsel. Starting off with an in-depth talk from its head of marketing Willy Van Dromme that provided a detailed overview of the company’s strategy when it comes to technology development, this was followed by a focussed review of its immense software capabilities.
In addition, a very specific emphasis was given to its very technically advanced ink technology, a real strategic strength of Agfa’s. Indeed, it boasts the best ‘fuel economy’ in the industry, even when it comes to the highest levels of print quality.
The whole package
To get a sense of the benefit of the trip to its attendees, I spoke to Agfa’s UK marketing manager, Steve Collins: “There is a real value on both sides. It gives attendees the chance to learn more about Agfa, it is not all about selling a machine to them, although of course that is what we are trying to do. It is about education, not just about Agfa, but our products, our roadmap and where we are looking to go with our technology.”
He continues: “There is also immense value in our guests being able to network and engage with each other. Our message is that Agfa is a one-stop-shop. You can look at software that is for content delivery, web-to-print, through to Asanti our production hub, which is the beating heart of our UV printing presses. Then in our showroom you can see the whole range of Jeti and Anapurna presses, our finishing technology, and of course the potential of our inks, which are made by Agfa. On top of that is our range of media, through to service and support. So, we can demonstrate the complete cycle, and that is a strong message for us.”
Stefaan Vanhooren, president of Agfa Graphics, says: “At Agfa Graphics, we embody print. Print is part of our DNA."
Another highlight of the trip was the new Anapurna H1650i LED, a new baby of the range in the sub-£90,000 bracket. It drew intense interest from every company assembled, who were drawn by its small footprint but impressive quality, industrial-build, and productivity. Collins concludes: “We are very excited about the H1650i. It really completes our enormous range of fire power, and considering the highly positive feedback we are getting, I think this move back into this end of the market is well justified.”
My sense from talking to the visitors on the trip, which ranged from top-level industrial print specialists through to commercial printers, sign-makers, and design agencies was this: The quality, productivity, durability, and price point of Afga’s range of roll-to-roll, hybrid, and dedicated-flatbed UV printers—in addition to the service, software, and support built around them—were ticking every box on their wish lists. And this is no accident, Agfa has poured an immense amount of resources into focussing squarely on UV inkjet as the basis for its future prosperity—and it is paying off.
To watch an insight into Brendan's trip, you can see it here at Sign7tv.com
http://sign7tv.com/video/AGFA-The-one-stop-shop-for-printers/06cc8e0e10b66d06a4cd73ccd5673dcc
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