Mortsel, Belgium – 27 May 2003 – Agfa announced that it had a very successful Ifra Newstec 2003, held between 12 – 14th May in Brighton, England. During the conference, attendees examined Agfa’s Polaris X computer-to-plate (CtP) system, and the new Sherpa 43NP, a digital colour proofing and workflow systems developed specifically for newspapers. Furthermore, Agfa received orders in excess of £ 1 million from attendees of the conference. “We met with all the major newspaper groups, strengthened our relationships with existing customers and developed several new ones,” said Laurence Roberts, Graphic Systems Director, Agfa. “Our solutions offerings at the conference were strong, and we were able to generate signed orders for many of our labour-saving and productivity-boosting solutions, including eight Polaris X CtP systems and five new Sherpa 43NPs.” Agfa’s new Sherpa 43NP piezo digital inkjet proofer brings the convenience of quality contract proofs and accurate press simulations optimised for newspaper printers. It can accept a variety of other AgfaJet media, and includes a workstation, RIP and Agfa’s QMS (Quality Management System). “There is an increase in the number of companies wishing to use quality, colour faithful, newsprint based proofs,” according to Steve Collins, colour management and proofing sales specialist, Agfa. “We have already installed Sherpa 43NPs at North Wales Newspapers and The Newcastle Chronicle and Journal, with which they are producing quality and reliable proofs. The new Sherpa 43NP model offer design enhancements such as special newsprint to end flanges, and a new print table and cutter to help the more efficient consumption of newsprint cores.” Ifra Newstec 2003 was held at the Hilton Metropole in Brighton, England.