This past May, I had an opportunity to interview Jim Continenza, the Executive Chairman of Eastman Kodak, about the past, present, and future directions of this legendary company that held the dominant position in the graphic arts industry for decades, before going through a very difficult time and subsequent rebuilding. Jim is a “straight shooter” and is always very candid about the past and enthusiastic about the future of Kodak. During our interviews and meetings, he reaffirmed Kodak’s focus on Print, Film, and Chemicals, and to “double down” on digital technologies and packaging. They have been safe but active during the pandemic and have supported customers and actually installed over a hundred pieces of new equipment during this period. In addition to continuing operation of the graphic arts business, Kodak Park has been busy making chemicals for use in manufacturing and supporting the production of equipment for ventilators, films, etc.

Jim feels that Kodak has an obligation, as we all do, to be “good stewards of the environment,” and that their products and company actions will continue to reaffirm that position. Getting the company to focus and coordinate activities amongst the different internal groups was the first step in the restructuring and that has been largely accomplished. Kodak also fully understands that aggressively funding R&D is what will create the products that will drive and fund future growth. As a result of those efforts, they have just announced a portfolio of new and updated products. 

Kodak has previously announced their ULTRASTREAM imaging technology in OEM relationships like the UTECO SAPPHIRE EVO W flexible packaging press, and there will be more relationships announced soon, especially around packaging. Kodak believes that they should invent and then build what they can do best, or partner with those who have more expertise. However, until now their only Kodak branded PROSPER inkjet presses have been based on their earlier STREAMtechnology. The new KODAK PROSPER ULTRA 520 is their first Kodak branded press using the ULTRASTREAM technology.