Halifax, UK; February 5, 2002 - Global Graphics Hardware, a division of Global Graphics (Nasdaq Europe: GLGR, Euronext GLOG) is expanding its Computer to Plate range of metal platesetters with the introduction of the Cirrus 2(R)M, a manual version of the Cirrus 2 machine aimed at the small offset market. The platesetter is priced at under US $50,000, making it one of the most affordable metal CTP systems on the market. The entire package including a Harlequin RIP and an SDT 650 plate processor -- both from the Global Graphics stable -- is available at under $70,000. The Cirrus 2 M is available immediately with a Green HeNe laser. A violet diode imaging version of the machine available from IPEX 2002 (April 9) onwards heralds further expansion of the Cirrus 2 product range. The Cirrus 2 M system is aimed at commercial printers who have purchased A3 portrait and landscape sheetfed presses, and whose businesses require fast production of high-quality offset printing plates to allow short make-ready times on press. The Cirrus 2 M is ideally suited to this market because it gives high productivity - it is capable of imaging 24 B3 plates an hour at 2540 dpi resolution or 37 plates an hour at 1270 dpi - yet is simple and reliable in operation. Its flexibility means it can run short or long lengths on press and accommodate frequent plate changes, important factors in a market that competes for business with digital printing machines.