Vancouver, BC, Canada (February 9, 2004)  Creo Inc. is pleased to announce that its next-generation ThermoFlex Mid digital imaging device has won first place in an industrial design competition initiated by the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, and the Israeli Export and International Cooperation Institute. The competition was designed to encourage excellence in the industrial design field and to advance the development of high-quality products. Of the 270 industrial design projects submitted for evaluation, the ThermoFlex Mid II device received first place in the machinery and equipment category, one of four distinct categories for which awards were given. The ThermoFlex Mid imaging device was recently redesigned to increase productivity and ease of use. Features such as the air-assisted load table were designed to be more intuitive and operator-friendly, allowing users to reduce plate loading and unloading time, and to minimize plate damage. The footprint of the device was also reduced, with the new design occupying 24 percent less space than the original. Judges acknowledged the emphasis on the human interface and the compact size of the machine as reasons for the selection. Launched in the fall of 2004, the new and improved device is also receiving excellent reviews from customers. Vancouver Sharp Imaging installed the ThermoFlex Mid II in November 2004. According to Al McGuffin, flexo manager, "The entire ThermoFlex system is greatit's fast, easy to use, and the loading and unloading of plates is quick and easy. It means that we're able to improve turnaround times for our customers, without compromising on quality." "This is the second award this year for the ThermoFlex product line: first the FlexoTech award for the Sleeve Imaging device, and now this award for the Mid II," says Bob Dalton, Creo product manager. "We're very proud because these awards recognize Creo's continued investment in the technological growth of flexography, as well as our ongoing leadership in the packaging industry."