Escher-Grad's Cobalt-4 CTP System Shines at the Grand Opening of the xpedx National Technology Center

Twinsburg, Ohio, June 26th and 27th

Montreal, Canada -- July 23rd, 2002 -- Escher-Grad was pleased to participate in the Grand Opening the xpedx National Technology Center in Twinsburg Ohio, held June 26th and 27th. The recently released Escher-Grad Cobalt-4 CTP System was showcased in the new state-of-the-art demo facility and ran live demonstrations throughout the two-day event. Visitors were impressed with the ease of operation of the Cobalt-4 and facility staff marveled at an installation from crate to plate in one-day.

"The Cobalt was the center of attention," said Dan Wish, General Manager and Digital Imaging Director of xpedx National Technology Center, "Computer-to-Plate with only 3 moving parts at such an affordable price point offered what customers said to be a product unparalleled in both features, reliability and affordability. The professionalism and knowledge of all the Escher-Grad employees that supported this event, over-exceeded both ours and our customers expectations."

Xpedx organizers put on a fabulous event, which in addition to a full suite of products on display, included a mini trade show of their key vendors and a full schedule of industry seminars each day. Keith Fisher, Director of Business Development for Escher-Grad, offered attendees insight on "How to Profit from CTP" with two one-hour seminars each day dispelling many of the industry myths surrounding why printers should chose CTP over conventional film to plate processes.

"The new NTC is a world class facility built and organized to deliver on the xpedx strategy of putting customers' needs first," said Fisher. "Our Cobalt-4 can be driven by any of the workflows in the building with a simple mouse-click. The staff come from a wide range of production backgrounds in the industry and takes pride in delivering real-world solutions that ensure increased profitability. We are extremely proud to be part of the "Grand Opening" and xpedx's violet CTP strategy."

Closing out the two day event was a $1,000.00 Grand Prize draw sponsored by Escher-Grad which was won by Patrick Johnson of Preferred Graphics in Garfield Heights, Ohio. The Cobalt-4 will remain a permanent exhibit at the NTC and will soon be joined by its 8-up predecessor, the Cobalt-8.

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.

xpedx is a customer-driven distributor of printing paper, packaging supplies and equipment, facility supplies and graphic imaging pre-press equipment and supplies. xpedx delivers customer solutions through 125 wholesale distribution centers and 200 stores serving retail customers and small printers. xpedx has 10 million square feet of warehouse space and 1,300 delivery trucks. Its market focus is retail, commercial printing, on-demand printing, heavy manufacturing, the automotive industry, high-tech manufacturing, publishing and national accounts.

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