Centerbrook, Connecticut - EPG (Essex Products Group), the Connecticut-based manufacturer of KeyColor ink control, presetting and scanner interface systems, and Welas, Vaasa, Finland, manufacturers of segmented ink blades, have signed an agreement naming EPG the exclusive North and South American distributor of Welas products. Welas produces laser-cut hardened carbon-steel and stainless-steel segmented ink blades for accurate ink metering and customizes blades for all press types. This partnership follows EPG's recent expansion as an OEM of color measurement and defect detection equipment and its securing of an exclusive worldwide distributorship of Colortronix's job presetting and color scanner interface systems.
 
"An exciting new company with experienced leadership, Welas has rapidly built an excellent reputation for its segmented ink blades," says Peter Griffin, president, EPG. "This exclusive partnership is another component of our strategic expansions and further enhances our ability to serve our customers."
 
"EPG is a proven global leader in ink control technology, offering high-quality products and services comparable to those of the Welas brand," says Livio De Cet, Managing Director, Welas. "We are very excited to have them represent us and look forward to bringing exceptional value to printers in North and South America."
 
The Welas partnership follows EPG's expansion as the exclusive OEM of the color measurement and defect detection equipment developed by Apollo Systems, Inc. Boxborough, Massachusetts. EPG also recently acquired the sole distribution rights to the products of Colortronix LLC Herman, Maine. Colortronix products are sold under the EPG Adelphi brand. The Adelphi AutoSet system presets ink keys on presses having non-EPG ink control systems. Adelphi AutoKey closes the key control loop between any color scanner and any ink control system.