Pittsburgh, PA, July 16, 2008?Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2008 InterTech Technology Awards. For over thirty years, recipients of this prestigious award have not only had a major impact on the graphic communications industry, but they also consistently prove to be successful in the commercial marketplace.

The independent panel of judges deliberated over technology submissions ranging from consumables to MIS systems to large-format presses. A recurring theme with 2008 InterTech nominations was process efficiency; submissions contained solutions to automate production steps, provide in-line process control, and manage production. Great strides in technology were also demonstrated in the form of innovative digital press design, prepress content and color control, flexographic printing material, and value-added print processes.

Recipients were recognized from across a wide spectrum of printing processes and production areas. Twenty-eight nominations were submitted, and ten innovative technologies were selected to receive the award.

The 2008 InterTech Technology Award recipients are:
(Listed alphabetically by company, with the technology named first)

Alwan Dynamic DeviceLinks
Alwan Color Expertise

EskoArtwork Neo
EskoArtwork

POLAR P.A.C.E. Cutting Systems
Heidelberg USA, Inc.

Prinect Inpress Control
Heidelberg USA, Inc.

 
HIFLEX MIS with eBusiness, Webshop and Print Support
HIFLEX Corporation, North America

Inca Onset
Inca Digital Printers Limited

KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System
Kodak Graphic Communications Group

MetalFX
MetalFX Technology

Platinum White Technology
Sun Chemical Corporation

Xaar 1001 printhead
Xaar plc

Detailed award recipient information will follow in a press release slated for distribution the week of July 21, 2008. A technology review booklet showcasing all twenty-eight of the current year's entries will be produced by Graphic Arts Monthly for release in Fall 2008; the booklet will also be available on www.intertechaward.com.

The coveted InterTech stars, recognized as a symbol of technological innovation and excellence, will be presented before an impressive audience of industry leaders during the 2008 PIA/GATF Premier Print Awards Gala, October 26 in Chicago, Illinois.

For more information about the InterTech Technology Awards, contact Eric Neumann, PIA/GATF Research Manager, at 412-259-1819, [email protected], or visit www.intertechaward.com.

About PIA/GATF: PIA/GATF is the world's largest graphic arts trade association, representing an industry with over 1 million employees. It serves the interests of more than 12,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency, and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research, and technical information. 

About the PIA/GATF InterTech Technology Awards: Inaugurated in 1978 to foster awareness and understanding of advanced graphic arts technology, the PIA/GATF InterTech Technology Awards honor excellence in innovative technology for the graphic communications industry. The nomination criteria stipulate that the technology be recently developed but out of beta testing and be proven in industrial application, but not yet in widespread use. The technology must also be expected to have a major impact on the graphic communications industry over the next five years. Over 80% of past recipients have experienced commercial success in the marketplace.

PIA/GATF sponsors the award and coordinates the award process as a service to the graphic communications industry; however, InterTech Technology Award recipients are chosen by an independent, anonymous panel of judges. The judges, distinguished within the industry, all have experience in evaluating or commissioning new products or technologies and possess expertise in a wide range of fields, including premedia, printing, binding and finishing, and related software and services.