New manufacturing facility and operations center expands KPG’s ability to serve customers in China Norwalk, Connecticut, USA -- Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) broke ground today on a state-of-the-art printing plate manufacturing facility and operations center in Tianjin, China, a growing business center located about 145 kilometers from Beijing. The plant will make thermal CtP plates for the growing Chinese market. "Building a manufacturing capability in China expands KPG’s ability to service customers and to customize products for the unique needs of this major emerging market," said Tom Watson, president of KPG’s Asia Pacific Region. "The printing industry in China is embracing new technologies. As a major manufacturer, KPG wants to service those needs." KPG - China is positioned to offer the full digital solution of plates film and proofing to the Chinese graphics arts market with full capability for technical sales support and technical application support for customers and distributors. KPG’s goal is to become a pre-eminent local graphic arts supplier to the rapidly changing Chinese market. Top officials from TEDA and the Tianjin city government joined Watson and members of the graphic arts industry in China at the groundbreaking event. KPG expects to finish construction early in the fourth quarter and be fully operational by mid-2003. About Kodak Polychrome Graphics Kodak Polychrome Graphics provides one of the broadest product and solutions portfolios available in the graphic arts industry today, including a wide range of conventional lithographic plates and computer to plate solutions, Kodak branded graphic arts films, digital, inkjet, analog and virtual proofing products, as well as workflow solutions and color management tools. With headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA, the company serves customers around the globe with regional offices in the United States, Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific and Latin America. Additional information regarding Kodak Polychrome Graphics may be found on the company's website: www.kpgraphics.com.