Platesetter Manufacturer Refocuses

Esko-Graphics announced in September that it plans to primarily focus henceforth on the packaging market, a segment that currently accounts for more than 60% of its revenues. In commercial printing, Esko-Graphics will scale back its operations to focus on its workflow software, smaller-format computer-to-plate (CTP) devices for violet and polyester plates, and on Espresso, its new four-up computer-to-UV plate system. Given limited plate availability in the violet CTP market, the company says it will cease further investments into its PlateDriver violet CTP product line. The changes in the commercial printing division will create a number of redundancies, especially related to violet CTP, according to company officials, who anticipate up to 15% of Esko-Graphics' total workforce will be affected.