New CtP System Offers Alternative For Package Printers Ridgefield Park, NJ – December 17, 2001 – Agfa's leadership in CtP (computer to plate) is strengthened with Agfa Xcalibur, a family of innovative large format thermal platesetters. Superior Lithographers, a 15 year-old package printer with $8 million in annual revenues, recently installed Agfa’s Xcalibur VLF system to print everything from corrugated box top sheets to educational materials for public schools. This breakthrough system brings new simplicity and quality to the demands of package printers. The Xcalibur uses efficient multi-beam arrays of solid-state fiber-coupled lasers designed and tested to meet the most stringent standards in the industry. The accuracy, stability, and long life of the laser ensure exceptional imaging quality and reliability. "Our customers choose us because of the large format press we have and our dedication to a high level of technology and quality," said Doug Rawson, vice president and general manager, Superior Lithographics. Most impressive since installing the Agfa system, Rawson added, is the fact that his make-ready and press check times have decreased – in some cases cut in half. That, Rawson said, has increased productivity among the 55 employees at his Los Angeles, California-based plant. Agfa's Xcalibur uses an extremely reliable semi-automatic staging and loading solution that makes platemaking easier, even for the largest plates, while ensuring fast, accurate registration of the plate. Xcalibur VLF features a small, attractive footprint that allows users to turn a prepress operation into a high-technology showcase. The Agfa Xcalibur system can be custom configured to match specific production requirements. "Our Agfa Xcalibur system is the reason why we produce better printing – it’s that simple. Everything just looks better," Rawson added Superior’s customers agree. David Karr, COO of Acorn Paper Products, said, "Acorn has been doing business with Superior for many years and I am impressed with the Agfa system. Since the installation of the Agfa Xcalibur System and Sherpa, I have noticed faster turn-arounds on proofing, shorter press checks, more accurate color matching between the press sheets and proofs, and better print quality when compared with film separations. Since Acorn resells custom and stock packaging, our vendors' quality is extremely important to us. Agfa’s system has made Acorn more valuable to our customers and has strengthened our relationship with Superior." "The Xcalibur is more than just a platesetter, it is a complete plate manufacturing system that helps to streamline a customer's operation. Agfa offers higher productivity alternatives to package printers who want to attain superior imaging quality along with automation," said Sheila Nysko, packaging segment manager. "When there is a choice in technologies, the customer benefits, and we feel the best choice is Agfa." About Xcalibur There are four models from which to choose for imaging plates as large as 80 x 58" and as small as 20 x 29". Other features include: - Choose from a 48 beam laser or 96 beams for added throughput - Apogee PrintDrive provides final job preview and lets printers interface with any prepress provider - Remote diagnostics with Agfa's Odyssey - Ongoing service, support and training About Agfa Corporation Agfa Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of the Agfa Group, which ranks among the world's leading imaging companies. Agfa develops, produces and markets analogue and digital systems, primarily for the graphics industry, medical radiography, non-destructive testing, micrographic and motion picture film, and consumer imaging and photography markets. Agfa has its headquarters in Mortsel, Belgium, employing 22,000 people in 40 countries. Worldwide sales for 2000 were 5,260 million Euros. In the U.S., Agfa is headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, and employs 4,000 people. Product and company information may be found on Agfa's home page on the World Wide Web at www.agfa.com.