The UK's first Cobalt-4 Violet CTP System Installation at Mannin Media Group on The Isle of Man

Montreal, Canada -- June 11th, 2002 --The installation of Escher-Grad's B2 Cobalt-4? for Mannin Media Group Limited, a full service media operation unit, has been reported to be a complete success. The purchase was made at IPEX 2002 through Escher-Grad's UK dealer, Fastek Graphics, and installed the last week of May. Following a two-day installation, they are now on press feeding three press lines from one Cobalt-4. Mannin Media Group Limited's objective to service their corporate business and magazine printing requirements, was believed to be successfully fulfilled with their purchase of the Cobalt-4?.

The new Cobalt-4?, B2 violet-laser diode internal drum platesetter was announced for European distribution at IPEX 2002 in April. At an extraordinary low price compared to competitors, the Cobalt-4? is capable of imaging from A4 (single-page) through to B2 (4-up) size plates, making it the most flexible CTP system in its class. A full size B2 plate is imaged in 2.2 minutes at 2400 dpi. The Cobalt-4 benefits from the same proven imaging platform as the Cobalt-8, guaranteeing the best image quality and repeatability in its class.

Mannin Media Group, publishers of the Isle of Man's favorite periodicals that include Manx Tails, Manx Life Style, Money Media and a host of other respected titles, are completely satisfied with the results of their Cobalt-4 installation. Their investment in the Escher-Grad manufactured platesetter means that Mannin can now offer a one-stop solution to publishing on the island, and the group is looking forward to reaping the benefits.

Colin Brown, Chief Executive of Mannin Group, is extremely enthusiastic over his most recent investment and stated, "We originally felt it prudent to wait for the technology to 'settle down' following the introduction of CTP. Now the Cobalt 4 system provides us with all the technology we need to improve both turnaround times and quality. We will be capable of offering a swifter response to customers requirements as well as becoming more economically efficient."

Mannin Media Group was founded in 1990 and is an amalgam of a number of old-established printing and publishing companies in the Isle of Man. The original aim of the enterprise was to develop the group so as to provide a service to the island which encompasses most of those required in the media field. During the intervening years, growth of the Group has been steady and the staff now numbers 42. The Group now turns over ?2.5M and has a number of high profile clients who take advantage of all the various divisions.

Fastek Graphic Services are based in Leeds, England, and have over 20 years experience of providing high quality service, products and solutions to the graphic arts industry all over the world. The company aims to provide a one-stop-shop solution for a wide range of applications and services for prepress and printing businesses, and is currently investigating a number of leads relating to the Cobalt range of CTP platesetters following this year's IPEX. For more information please visit www.fastek.co.uk.

Established in 1986, Montreal-based Escher-Grad designs, manufactures and markets advanced, high-resolution laser imaging systems solutions that markedly increase productivity for the graphic arts and printed circuit board industries. All products are backed by a worldwide sales and support network with systems installed in more than 35 countries around the world. For more information please visit www.escher-grad.com.

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