Cincinnati - xpedx today announced it is working with Agfa Graphics to end their distribution agreement. The parties have agreed to an orderly wind-down of their relationship to ensure end-user customers are properly supplied during the transition. Effective Feb. 28, 2011 xpedx will no longer distribute Agfa-branded graphic products in the United States.  

The decision follows Agfa's acquisition of Pitman Company, a graphic distributor, in July, 2010.  Also in July, Eastman Kodak Company named xpedx its primary national dealer and simultaneously announced it would terminate Pitman's right to distribute Kodak products effective Oct. 5.

xpedx says it will minimize impact to customers two ways: by helping customers advance to systems from other world-class manufacturers, or transition to alternative sources for Agfa plates and graphic consumables.

"Our customers are our highest priority and whether they decide to explore new technologies, or go elsewhere for Agfa products, xpedx will support their needs," said Dennis Killion, director of Marketing-Graphics, xpedx. "Equally important is helping customers grow with complete, integrated systems, and our supplier relationships must reflect that goal."

xpedx is the largest supplier of printing paper, graphic supplies and equipment in North America. The company aligns with world-class manufacturers to be the single-source provider of the products and services printers need to operate competitively.

"Today, our customers receive their plate shipments together with their two other largest purchases: paper and ink," Killion said. "xpedx will continue to provide customers with the supplies they need to efficiently operate through a single supply chain."