July 14, 2004 -- (WhatTheyThink.com) -- Agfa has announced plans to outsource some of its prepress manufacturing and will operate a new Graphic Imaging Technology Center from Wilmington, MA. The new center will focus on further enhancements to Agfa's CtP imaging technologies and platforms. Susan Wittner, Agfa's director of marketing for the Graphic Systems division says that while the business outlook is improving, the downward effect on printers' profit margins remains. "The printing industry has been affected by global economic conditions, technological changes and consolidation on various levels. There is a need to continually ensure our customers that they are investing in the most advanced and cost-effective technology. Agfa is committed to further innovation in the area of CtP and is positioned to continue to capitalize on the most advanced and cost effective technology to accomplish this." Agfa will move a number of their platesetters to key partners trained in Agfa technology. Says Wittner, "In many cases, they are the same partners we have done joint development work with in the past. Agfa will continue our active role in enhancing Agfa technology, now together with even more resources." The new Wilmington, MA-based Graphic Imaging Technology Center will focus on customer satisfaction with the objective of ensuring quality, value and cutting edge technology. "Customers will not experience any disruptions or see decreases in the level of service and support they currently get from Agfa," said Wittner. The Graphic Imaging Technology Center will continue to be housed in Wilmington, MA. In addition, quite a number of Agfa's North American employees will continue to reside there. Mark Barrett, who has been the head of EPP Product Development, Graphic Systems, will lead Agfa's new Graphic Imaging Technology Center. He will report to Jan Van Daele, head of global Graphic Systems Imaging Solutions. Mark joined Compugraphic Corporation in 1979 and holds technical BS and MS degrees as well as a MBA. He has spent most of his career in various product development positions but has also worked as a product marketing manager and as the Director of Marketing and Field Service for Agfa’s Japanese subsidiary in Tokyo from 1994 through 1997. Russ Spencer, head of EPP, will lead the outsourcing process and plans to retire after the outsourcing project is complete.