Cambridge, UK - Global Graphics and HYBRID Software have announced that they are strategically aligning themselves to provide digital press manufacturers with an “unbeatable” package of RIPs and workflow. It is expected that drupa will provide a launchpad for a combined solution.

Both companies are chaired by Guido Van der Schueren formerly managing director and chairman of the Board of Artwork Systems Group NV and vice chairman of the Esko Artwork Group.  Global Graphics is the developer of the Harlequin RIP® and HYBRID Software develops the CLOUDFLOW system for running automated graphics workflow production.

Since taking on the role at Global Graphics in 2014 it has been Mr Van der Schueren’s intention to grow the two companies closer together, capitalising on the success of the Harlequin RIP® in driving the fastest digital presses on the market and HYBRID Software’s experience of the end-to-end label and packaging workflow.

Gary Fry, CEO of Global Graphics says, “we have strengthened our position in the high-speed digital market significantly since the last drupa.  Today we not only develop the fastest RIP technology on the market, we have a fantastic team of engineers who can go into a customer and problem-solve alongside them.  We don’t just throw a RIP at a press vendor, we roll up our sleeves to work together with them to provide the speed and quality they need for their press, their application, their inks and media.  Our alliance with HYBRID Software will help us to broaden our product offering to deliver a more complete solution which is what our customers are asking for.”

Christopher Graf, CEO of HYBRID Software says, “The move to digital production in the labels and packaging market changes the need for pre-press solutions dramatically as new devices and new technology emerge. Technical and commercial processes need to be more closely aligned in order to get jobs out to a machine in the most efficient manner. Our products fill the gap that exists in bringing these processes together. Working with Global Graphics will extend these benefits to press vendors by giving them more choice of how to create their DFE.”