MONTREAL, QC -- November 4th, 2002 -- Escher-Grad Technologies Inc.'s revolutionary line of Cobalt violet laser-diode CTP Systems were out in full force at Graph Expo 2002 in Chicago and so were CTP buyers. Fifteen Cobalt units were sold during the 4-day show with post-show orders still arriving. "Graph Expo was a violet CTP show. The lead that Escher-Grad took two years ago with its introduction of the Cobalt series of platesetters has been maintained with all major plate and equipment manufacturers following behind," said Keith Fisher, Strategic Alliances for Escher-Grad Technologies. "Cobalt's price and performance specifications have no equal and the result was the best order-taking record yet. xpedx's bundle of color proofer, software, RIP and Cobalt-4 was advertised at less than eighty thousand dollars! We congratulate our dedicated partners and look forward to maintaining our position at the head of the violet revolution." The Cobalt-8 ran live on the Lastra America/Western Lithotech booth with their DiamondPlate LV-1 photopolymer metal plate. The Cobalt-4 was also featured on the Xpedx booth and Genesis Equipment Marketing hosted an all-Cobalt booth with both Cobalt-4 and Cobalt-8 models on display. Launched in 1999, the Cobalt-8 was the world's first violet 8-up platesetter and laid the ground-work for violet CTP. Now with two plate technologies from four major industry suppliers and others quickly joining the violet consumables market, violet CTP is now the industry standard. Since 1986, Montreal-based Escher-Grad Technologies Inc. has advanced the art and science of high resolution imaging systems. The Cobalt series of CTP systems is the latest innovation in Escher-Grad's long history of achievements and service to the printing industry. A strong commitment to aggressive levels of R & D ensures the technological leadership position that results in superior imaging systems. In keeping with its mission to become the world's leading independent manufacture of violet CTP systems, Escher-Grad continues on a course of carefully planned growth. All products are backed by local, Escher-Grad certified, sales and support organizations present in more than 60 countries around the world. Full details concerning product specifications are available on the Escher-Grad website at http://www.escher-grad.com