Hanover, MA -- In the last 3-4 years, more than 15 superwide digital printer manufacturers have been established in China (and Korea). I.T Strategies estimates that in 2002, these manufacturers sold about 225 printers worldwide, with 95% of sales in Asia/Pacific. By 2007, printer sales are expected to increase to 458, a CAGR of 15%. The majority of these printers are expected to be sold in Asia/Pacific. The installed base of Chinese-manufactured printers is expected to rise from about 350 units in 2002 to more than 2,000 by 2007, a CAGR of 44%. Mark Hanley, President of I.T. Strategies states, “ Our forecast is based on discussions with a number of different sources including ink jet head manufacturers, OEMs, ink suppliers, dealers and others involved in the market. To the data we receive, we apply our forecast methodology that has been developed over 10 years of forecasting digital color printing markets. Our forecasts take a conservative view of developing markets – a methodology which has been historically validated over time. Our view of these markets may not agree with the early optimism others have of developing markets. ” Chinese OEMS More than 15 companies manufacture superwide printers in China (and Korea) today. Currently most of them offer printers based on the Xaar 128-nozzle printhead; however, at least two companies offer printers with Xaar and Spectra heads. The Top Five companies make up about 80% of the market today. The Top Five companies are: Yaselan, Hangzhou Honghua, Shenzhen Runjiang, Shanghai Teckwin and DGI (Korea). Other Chinese OEMs include China Pioneer, Feimeng Advertising, Gongzheng, JHF, Ke Bao, Keling Digital Imaging, Bejing Century, Liyu, Ningbo Sunnyway, Shanghai Wit-Color, Shenyang Sky Air-Ship, plus others.