ROCHESTER, N. Y., April 18, 2005 -- NexPress Solutions, Inc., part of Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, announced that Graphic Services at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge has installed a second KODAK NEXPRESS 2100 digital production color press featuring the new fifth imaging unit, in response to a growing need for on-demand color printing services. Additionally, Graphic Services has added a KODAK NEXGLOSSER glossing unit to add higher impact to a wide range of university materials. With two KODAK NEXPRESS 2100 digital production color presses now in place, as well as a KODAK DIGIMASTER 9110 digital production system for high-speed black-and-white printing, LSU is well positioned to handle the steadily increasing print volume that comes in from across the university. This heightened level of productivity occurred when LSU Graphic Services improved its digital offerings with a NEXPRESS 2100 color press followed by a DIGIMASTER 9110 high-speed black-and-white system, followed later with a second NEXPRESS 2100 press. LSU Graphic Services is now producing two to three million pages each month with the three systems. These presses are the foundation for the exceptional services that LSU Graphic Services delivers - a more capable and responsive print resource for the entire campus. The department is also adding value through new applications and internal education campaigns that enhance the school's overall image and reputation. According to Mike Loyd, Director, Procurement Auxiliary Services at LSU, one key to successful implementation of the new KODAK systems is education. "We invite our internal customers from throughout the university to open houses where we show them the print possibilities of digital. To emphasize the quality and range of services we offer, we use the presses to produce personalized invitations. Our customers say that they want this capability now - and that's what we give them." There are many benefits to the new technology, says Loyd. "Short-run printing allows us to avoid obsolescence by printing only what we need, when we need it. The information is more relevant and up-to-date. With an all-digital process, print quality is greatly improved, and with the high-speed output, we can deliver a better product at a much lower cost. The potential is limitless," he adds. "Two digital color presses are just the start. Our first system paid for itself in less than 12 months, and the second was also easily justified, based on volumes and new applications. Our work is growing on all fronts." One major print customer on the LSU campus is the National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (NCBRT). This organization, a research facility comprising three LSU schools, serves multiple U.S. government agencies, including Homeland Security. Their work centers on developing and delivering curricula related to bioterrorist activity across the United States. The materials they produce are extensive, and the need for quality and fast turnaround is critical. When Graphic Services began producing materials for the NCBRT, they relied on a mix of offset color shells and black-and-white content. As demand rose, they were able to move more of the work to their DIGIMASTER 9110 system, in conjunction with their first NEXPRESS 2100 press. Today, the DIGIMASTER 9110 system is operating at a 50 percent productivity improvement, with the addition of an inline hole-punch system. Improving productivity is a key attribute of the NEXPRESS 2100 presses, which feature the added value of Operator Replaceable Components (ORCs) for increased efficiency and system uptime. With ORCs, users can generally resolve problems themselves -- there's no waiting for a service technician to arrive. On those occasions when service is required, says Loyd, "The Kodak team has been tremendous -- they've really taken care of us." The second NEXPRESS 2100 press LSU installed is equipped with the new KODAK NEXPRESS fifth imaging unit solution, which provides an even greater level of output quality, durability, and application diversity. The fifth imaging unit enables three high-value capabilities: KODAK NEXPRESS intelligent color, intelligent coating and intelligent glossing solutions. There are many LSU applications for the intelligent glossing solution to add a striking high-gloss coating to printed pieces for higher impact. The special gloss finish is achieved with KODAK NEXPRESS clear dry ink, in combination with the new KODAK NEXGLOSSER glossing unit. Ultimately, because the LSU Graphic Services is the print communications source for the entire university, everything it produces reflects on the school. With state-of-the-art equipment and consistent high-quality output, the department fulfills an important role in enhancing the university's overall image, and is able to deliver on the goal of supporting the university and its high expectations.