Chicago, Ill – GRAPH EXPO (Booth #4050) – October 10, 2004 – The combination of Agfa and Lastra has produced the largest printing plate supplier in the world, and together, for the first time, the companies will be showing and demonstrating their leading plate and CtP system technologies at Graph Expo. Lastra America will be demonstrating various industry-leading CtP products and services at booth #4050 at Graph Expo, not far from Agfa's booth, #4024, where demonstrations are being held, as well. Combined, the companies have the largest variety and selection of plates available. Agfa-Gevaert recently acquired Lastra, in a deal that closed at the end of August. Together, Agfa and Lastra form the global leader in printing plates, with advanced plate technology, solutions and resources for conventional, visible, thermal and chemistry-free CtP. Visitors to the Lastra booth will be able to check out the popular LT-2, the market's leading no-bake plate. The LT-2 is designed for thermal CtP systems with a laser wavelength of 830 nm. Baking the positive-working plate provides run lengths exceeding one million impressions. The LT-2 is processed by the Lastra 95T/125T processors, specifically designed for thermal 830 nm technology. Combined with the LT-2 plate, the Lastra processors provide unparalleled image quality for the most discriminating printer. Lastra thermal plates will be demonstrated on Screen's PlateRite 8600 and Agfa's new 4-up :Acento-E thermal system. The :Acento, launched at Drupa, is making its North America debut at Graph Expo. Booth guests can also see the LV-2 violet photopolymer CtP plate, which is certified on a number of platesetters, including Agfa's. "With Agfa's leadership position in prepress, we are committed to providing the widest variety of services and solutions for The Graphic Enterprise," said Agfa's Tom Saggiomo, president, Graphic Systems, North America. "Ten years ago, Agfa was not a competitor in the plate market. In the last decade, the company has grown to become the number one plate supplier in the world. Such a rapid ascent reflects the dedication Agfa has to the industry."