First Cobalt VLF Violet CTP System Installed in Europe at Planet Impression in Paris, France

DRUPA: Dusseldorf, Germany -- May 6th, 2004 -- The installation of Escher-Grad's VLF Cobalt-24™ at Planet Impression, specialists in large format point-of-purchase displays and billboard poster printing in Aulney Sous-Bois, France has been a complete success. Following a five-day installation, they are now on press feeding two large format press lines from one Cobalt-24.

The installation, which included a full front-end digital workflow from Polkadots, was completed in March. Planet Impression had their official open house just days before the exhibition began. According to Ludovic Chapel, one of the partners of Planet Impression, the biggest advantage is the immediate gain in productivity they have experienced since the installation of the Cobalt-24.

"When we undertook the switch to CTP we did not have any prepress or CTP experience at all. Before installing the Cobalt-24 we only expected to be producing 25% of our job with CTP within the first month", said Ludovic Chapel of Planet impression. " We actually reached 50% CTP production within the first month and now, 2 ½ months later, we are producing 90% of all jobs with our Cobalt CTP. The comprehensive training we received was superb and it only took 5 days to get us up and running."

The Cobalt-32™, VLF violet internal drum platesetter made its official European debut at DRUPA 2004. Targeted at Book and Packaging Printers and specifically those printers with thermal VLF systems wanting to reduce cost of ownership and increase throughput while enjoying a lower per plate production cost. The Cobalt-24 will image plates up to 1270 x 1524 mm (50 x 60 inches) and the Cobalt-32 will image plates up to 1524 x 2032 mm (60 x 80 inches), both guaranteeing the best image quality and repeatability in its class.

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 45 countries around the world.

For more information on the entire line of Cobalt Violet CTP Systems, please come to the Escher-Grad stand in Hall 9, Stand A40 or visit www.Escher-Grad.com.

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